Land Bridge review delays Phiphat's visit

Wider scrutiny to shape next steps

PUBLISHED : 6 May 2026 at 06:11

NEWSPAPER SECTION: News

WRITER: Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth

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Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has cancelled his planned visit to the Land Bridge project site this Friday, pending the outcome of a 90-day study led by Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

The study, commissioned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, will determine whether the project proceeds.

Mr Phiphat indicated that visiting the area at this stage could lead to premature or inaccurate conclusions, stressing the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the project, including environmental impacts and potential benefits to the country.

He noted that the Land Bridge scheme would not be limited to rail development, but would also incorporate road networks and energy pipeline systems. He expressed confidence that the study would be completed within the timeframe set by the prime minister.

Addressing public opposition, Mr Phiphat said clear communication was essential, particularly for residents in Chumphon and Ranong, who could be directly affected. He emphasised the importance of explaining both the advantages and disadvantages of the project, including employment opportunities and support measures for those whose livelihoods may be disrupted, such as local fishermen.

In response to reports of planned protests outside Government House, he acknowledged the right to assemble but stressed the importance of ensuring the public understands the project's potential national benefits.

Mr Phiphat declined to confirm whether the project would ultimately deliver more benefits than drawbacks, reiterating that conclusions should only be drawn after the study is completed.

He also noted that previous large-scale proposals, including the Kra Canal, had failed to proceed, but added that changing global conditions warranted a fresh evaluation of the Land Bridge's viability. Unlike the canal project, which raised concerns about physically dividing the country, the Land Bridge would rely on integrated road, rail and pipeline systems. Modern tunnelling methods could also help reduce environmental impact, he added.

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa- archa said a dedicated working group would examine the project across environmental, economic and geopolitical dimensions, urging the public to await detailed findings.

He referred to a recent opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, which indicated broad support in the South, though many residents still lack a full understanding of the project.

Meanwhile, Senator Norasate Prachyakorn said a Senate motion calling for a review of the project had been postponed until next week to allow more time for deliberation. He added that committees were gathering information from relevant agencies and raised questions about the project's urgency, noting it was not included in the government's policy statement.

He also urged transparency and public participation, suggesting that both national and local referendums should be considered before any final decision is made.

The Land Bridge is a long-discussed proposal to link the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea via a transport corridor across the southern peninsula, with deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong connected by road and rail. The investment is estimated at least 1 trillion baht.

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- KEYWORDS

- Thailand land bridge project

- Chumphon ranong transport corridor

- Southern thailand infrastructure

- Anutin charnvirakul

- Phiphat ratchakitprakarn

- Thailand deep sea ports

- Logistics development thailand