China · Nation Thailand
Opposition warns Land Bridge could risk security and fail the South
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Opposition MPs warned that Thailand’s Land Bridge project could pose national security risks and fail to meet the needs of people in southern Thailand during a House of Representatives meeting at Parliament in Bangkok on Friday (May 29).
Key facts
- The meeting continued for a second day to consider an urgent motion asking the House to set up a special committee to study problems surrounding the implementation of the transport infrastructure project
- Natthaphong noted that preliminary calculations showed an investment of 500 billion baht could help generate annual GDP growth of 4%, reduce debt burdens by 30% and raise incomes.
- The vote showed that a majority of 266 MPs supported sending the matter to the Cabinet for further consideration, while 174 MPs backed the proposal to set up a special committee
- Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and leader of the Democrat Party, argued during his summary debate that the Land Bridge project was based on a “myth”
Summary
The meeting continued for a second day to consider an urgent motion asking the House to set up a special committee to study problems surrounding the implementation of the transport infrastructure project. The project aims to develop the Southern Economic Corridor and link freight transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Five related motions had been submitted by MPs.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and leader of the Democrat Party, argued during his summary debate that the Land Bridge project was based on a “myth” that Thailand would gain major benefits, including from cargo shipping, when in reality it might gain little.