Anutin revealed the appointment of Ekniti as chairman of the committee to study the land bridge project, noting that the world is changing and Thailand must adapt. He emphasized focusing on cost-effectiveness and national benefits, stating there is no need to fear favoritism toward investors since Thailand today barely has any allies.
On 4 May 2026, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, addressed differing opinions among Bhumjaithai Party ministers regarding the land bridge project between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and Minister of Industry Warawut Silpa-archa. He said there is no problem—it's just a matter of different timing in discussions. The land bridge project committee will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas. The committee will consider all aspects, including geopolitics, investment cost-effectiveness, logistics, and related factors linked to the land bridge project.
Anutin added that focusing solely on cargo and transportation might not be cost-effective. One must consider convenience as well, looking at the overall picture to ensure value. He aims to conclude the study within 90 days to align with the current global context. Previous studies were based on a different global situation, but now conditions have changed, including energy security and geopolitics. Thailand must minimize impact from any conflicts or crises elsewhere, which inevitably affect the country. Therefore, a strategy is needed for Thailand to stand on its own, minimizing any adverse effects.
“The land bridge will not happen overnight but is a policy. For Bhumjaithai Party and its supporters, this is even an old issue. We've been discussing it since 2019, and when Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit was Minister of Transport in the previous government, he also raised this issue and intended to make it happen. So this is a continuation of that work.” Mr. Anutin said.
Regarding the NIDA Poll showing that people in the South agree with the land bridge project but lack understanding of the details, Anutin said the government must communicate the benefits clearly. Whatever the government does must prioritize the common good and national interest, which is most important.
When asked if residents in the 14 southern provinces would submit letters opposing the project to their MPs, Anutin promptly responded that there are also people who agree. Everything depends on information from the study results, cost-effectiveness, and practical benefits of the project.
The Prime Minister continued, recalling his past statement about Thailand having no oil but having food. Today, Thailand must emphasize food security globally. The land bridge project will speed up food transportation to destinations. Back in 2019, no one threatened that the Strait of Hormuz would close or the Strait of Malacca would charge tolls; no one claimed ownership. But now those things have happened. We must find mechanisms or resources that prevent dependence on those who might threaten or raise prices. Thailand has always been subordinate; we need to change that model.
When asked about concerns that the land bridge project might favor investors, the Prime Minister said, “Let's address this first. People have repeatedly claimed favoritism, but after 7-8 years, no favoritism has been found—only resentment and anger because we don’t please any particular group. If the country does not benefit, then there is no favoritism. We have proven this, and now all that remains are MPs; we have no friends outside anymore.”