(Bangkok, 27th) — Thai Prime Minister Anutin has stated that the current international situation poses challenges to global shipping routes, with some key channels tightening controls or even introducing tolls. Therefore, Thailand needs to advance the strategically significant Land Bridge plan to enhance the nation's logistics security and autonomy.
Anutin, who is also the leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, emphasized during a meeting held at the party headquarters on Saturday (April 25) that the Land Bridge plan remains one of the priority core policies promoted by Bhumjaithai. If realized, the plan would help generate income for the country, boost economic competitiveness, and drive long-term overall economic growth. Therefore, the government should accelerate the review process.
“If Thailand can provide a reliable alternative, which can both generate income and promote economic prosperity, then we must push forward with such a project.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya said that the Land Bridge plan could benefit from the risks at the Strait of Hormuz, and relevant proposals will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration between June and July this year.
He stated that the project, estimated to cost about 1 trillion baht (about 122.4 billion ringgit), will connect deepwater ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, thereby opening a new trade route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, and strengthening Thailand’s position in the global logistics sector.
He added that the Land Bridge plan offers long-term development opportunities for Thailand, and can promote transshipment of goods between the east and west coasts, helping the country become a regional logistics hub.
According to the Bangkok Post, preparatory work for the Land Bridge plan is progressing smoothly and the feasibility study has been completed. Once approved by the cabinet, construction is expected to start within this year.
The project will be financed through international bidding and a private sector investment model, with private companies responsible for development funding. The government will not invest directly, but will grant franchise rights and allocate land.
According to the plan, deepwater ports will be built in both Chumphon (Chumpon) and Ranong provinces in southern Thailand, along with a 90-kilometer road and railway to connect the two ports, facilitating container transshipment.
Once completed, merchant ships traveling between the Middle East and East Asia will be able to bypass the busy Strait of Malacca, potentially shortening transportation time by up to five days.
“If Thailand can provide a reliable alternative, which can both generate income and promote economic prosperity, then we must push forward with such a project.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya said that the Land Bridge plan could benefit from the risks at the Strait of Hormuz, and relevant proposals will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration between June and July this year.
He stated that the project, estimated to cost about 1 trillion baht (about 122.4 billion ringgit), will connect deepwater ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, thereby opening a new trade route between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, and strengthening Thailand’s position in the global logistics sector.
He added that the Land Bridge plan offers long-term development opportunities for Thailand, and can promote transshipment of goods between the east and west coasts, helping the country become a regional logistics hub.
According to the Bangkok Post, preparatory work for the Land Bridge plan is progressing smoothly and the feasibility study has been completed. Once approved by the cabinet, construction is expected to start within this year.
The project will be financed through international bidding and a private sector investment model, with private companies responsible for development funding. The government will not invest directly, but will grant franchise rights and allocate land.
According to the plan, deepwater ports will be built in both Chumphon (Chumpon) and Ranong provinces in southern Thailand, along with a 90-kilometer road and railway to connect the two ports, facilitating container transshipment.
Once completed, merchant ships traveling between the Middle East and East Asia will be able to bypass the busy Strait of Malacca, potentially shortening transportation time by up to five days.