“Phiphat”, confirmed that after the Prime Minister ordered the Finance Ministry to conduct a 90-day study on the land bridge, he is not resentful. He views it as necessary to keep pace with global changes, aiming to involve multiple ministries for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional analysis. He emphasized that the study’s findings will be decisive; if the project proves worthwhile, the government is ready to proceed immediately.
Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed details regarding the case that Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister, assigned the Ministry of Finance to establish a working group to study the land bridge project over 90 days. He said this is an appropriate approach to ensure a more thorough and comprehensive study, with a chairperson appointed and the opportunity to select committee members from related agencies to participate fully. He confirmed he does not feel resentful about the decision, as it is a response to changing reasons and circumstances.
Phiphat said the new study will cover all dimensions that may have been incomplete in the past, especially the integration of transport systems including rail, road, and pipelines, as well as infrastructure development behind the ports, which is a key project component—not only developing the two ports. Additionally, it must consider impacts on areas and public concerns, such as land expropriation issues, which require clear data before making decisions.
“After the 90-day period, the working group will summarize the study results for the government. If the project is found to be worthwhile, the Ministry of Transport is ready to push it forward for Cabinet consideration for the next steps. I emphasize that the study’s findings will be the crucial determinant.”Phiphat said.
Phiphat stated that although the previous study by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) was completed, the data is from about two years ago and does not cover current developments such as the trend of toll collection in the Malacca Strait or global logistics changes, making further study necessary to update the information.
Regarding environmental impact (EIA), he admitted thatlarge-scale development projects inevitably have impacts, but the extent must be studied by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment along with other agencies. The new working group will include representatives from several ministries such as Energy, Industry, and other relevant agencies to ensure a comprehensive assessment, not only from the Ministry of Transport’s perspective.Phiphat said the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) development project involves several southern provinces including Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Previously, only some areas were discussed, so this study will help unify the overall picture into one cohesive project. He sees the additional 90-day study as within the government’s timeline and expects construction could begin around 2030 if all goes according to plan.
Regarding foreign investor interest, there is currently no clarity since existing information is from past discussions. However, the new project structure still includes key components such as oil pipeline systems, rail, and roads, which will connect to important economic zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and Laem Chabang Port, enhancing cargo transport capacity to Europe and Asia while reducing reliance on transshipment at Singapore.
“The government confirms that if the study shows the project is worthwhile, it is ready to proceed immediately. This concept has been promoted since 2019 and has always been part of the country’s economic development framework.
The Prime Minister’s decision to commission a new, comprehensive study updates and broadens the data to reduce concerns from all sectors and ensure that this large-scale project maximizes benefits for the country in the long term.”. The decisionby the Prime Minister to order a new study is to make information more current and comprehensive, reduce concerns from all parties, and assure that this large-scale project will bring maximum long-term benefits to the country. ” Phiphat said.
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