Phiphat has postponed his field visit to monitor the land bridge project, requesting to wait for Ekniti's study results before deciding whether to proceed. He also pledged to compensate residents who lose their rights to make a living in the area, expressing confidence that modern technology will reduce environmental impacts from construction.
5 May 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, said after the Prime Minister assigned Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to study the benefits and impacts of the new land bridge project. He stated that the Prime Minister has given Ekniti 90 days to review whether the project is worthwhile. The study will be comprehensive, covering environmental impacts and the benefits Thailand will gain. He clarified that the project includes not only rail systems but also roads and pipelines for gas or oil transport. Therefore, he asked to wait for clear study results.
When asked how he would explain the project to those opposed to it, Phiphat affirmed the need to communicate both the positive and negative outcomes from the study results, especially to people in Chumphon and Ranong provinces or locals who should have the right to earn a living on their land. He mentioned preserving occupations for locals who might lose opportunities, such as coastal fishermen, so they can regain lost rights or find alternative livelihoods.
Regarding efforts to prevent groups from protesting against the project at the Government House later this month, Phiphat confirmed that such protests cannot be banned because they are a right of the people. However, the government must clearly explain the benefits the country and its people will receive. He reiterated the request to wait for the study’s outcome to see if the project’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks, cautioning that premature statements might be partly right and partly wrong.
Asked whether opponents are locals or outsiders, Phiphat said he does not know but expects both groups to be involved. He acknowledged concerns that the project could harm the environment, but noted that modern technology can tunnel through mountains to build roads, which helps reduce environmental damage.
When asked if this project would fail like the "Khok Krod Kra" project, Phiphat emphasized the need to await Ekniti’s study results. However, as the Minister of Transport, he stated that anything that can help revive the country’s economy must be considered. Regarding why this major project is not included in the government’s official policy, Phiphat explained it has been a policy of the Bhumjaithai Party since 2019. The Prime Minister has communicated that this is an existing policy and a flagship policy that Bhumjaithai used during the 2019 election campaign. When Bhumjaithai returned to manage the Ministry of Transport, they adopted it as a key policy moving forward. .