Natthachon denies rumors about hidden casinos and 99-year land leases in the Land Bridge project, criticizes the use of outdated draft laws to slander, and threatens legal action against those who fabricate false news.
On 8 May 2026, Natthachon Srikokuea, spokesperson for the Bhumjaithai Party, issued a statement responding to distorted information attacking the “Land Bridge” project and the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). He said there are attempts to slander the government and Bhumjaithai by claiming permission for casinos and 99-year land leases to foreigners. The attacking data comes from an old draft law proposed by former MP Noppadon Kaewsuphat of the Thai Local Power Party during the 25th parliamentary session, which has long been discarded and is not Bhumjaithai’s draft law as claimed. He confirmed that Bhumjaithai’s draft Special Economic Zone Act for the South is modeled after the EEC Act to focus on developing the southern region according to its real potential, with no content related to casinos or 99-year land leases.
The Bhumjaithai spokesperson added that the party proposed the law with genuine intent to elevate the southern economy. Currently, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered the formation of a committee to thoroughly study the Land Bridge project from all perspectives. If the study finds it unworthy or local people disapprove, the project and the Southern Economic Corridor will not proceed, as the government prioritizes the decisions of the local population.
“I warn individuals who intentionally spread falsehoods to slander Bhumjaithai, misleading society and harming the party’s reputation. Going forward, the party will fully exercise its legal rights to take action to protect its reputation and reveal the truth to the public,” Natthachon concluded.