Ekniti is ready to proceed with the Landbridge study, updating previous results to reflect geopolitical factors and wars impacting the global economy. The project follows a 90-day timeline for results and emphasizes transparency for the greatest benefit to the Thai people.
On 6 May 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, revealed progress on the Landbridge project study. This follows Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul's order appointing him chairman of the committee studying the project. The effort aims to clarify the overall economic impact for society, given significant changes in the global situation, necessitating a broader, more comprehensive study.
Mr. Ekniti stated that he was assigned as lead because the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is the main agency overseeing economic and social dimensions under its supervision. NESDC serves as secretary to this committee.
Mr. Ekniti explained that a key objective of this Landbridge study is to assess all dimensions, including feasibility and impacts, within a 90-day timeframe.
The work will not start from scratch; rather, the committee will update and modernize previous studies by incorporating current global contexts as additional assumptions. Particularly, it will consider geopolitics, ongoing war situations, and navigation issues in various straits affecting the world economy. Past studies may not have fully accounted for these factors comprehensively across environmental, social, and community satisfaction aspects. This is vital because the Landbridge is a large-scale project of national importance.
"I affirm that I will perform my duties to the best of my ability as a Thai citizen, adhering to principles of transparency and straightforwardness to ensure this study yields the greatest benefit for Thailand," said Mr. Ekniti.