Deputy Spokesperson Ploytale revealed that the NESDC has been instructed to visit Ranong and Chumphon to verify genuine local needs before proceeding with the Land Bridge project, with a 30-day deadline to report the findings.
On 5 May 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ploytale Laksamisaengchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the Cabinet acknowledged important recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission regarding the Land Bridge project linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea (Chumphon-Ranong), aiming to ensure development aligns truly with community rights and local potential.
Ms. Ploytale explained that the commission's recommendations emphasize the government's respect for the local people's right to self-determination, focusing on listening to their voices. The NESDC was instructed to collect opinions from all occupational groups on the overall development to assess the project's feasibility, and to review the NESDC's existing feasibility study alongside local needs, ensuring plans align with local potential rather than imposing projects from central authorities.
She added that to make these recommendations concrete, the Cabinet assigned the Ministry of Transport as the lead agency to coordinate with relevant bodies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior, and the NESDC. They are to study the commission's proposals for suitability and submit a comprehensive review to the Cabinet Secretariat within 30 days for further Cabinet consideration.
"National infrastructure development must go hand in hand with respect for human rights. The government is ready to listen to feedback so that the Land Bridge project benefits the economy and sustainably supports the way of life of local residents," the Deputy Spokesperson said.