The SEC Watch network announced a long-term closure of Government House to block progress on the “Land Bridge” after negotiations failed. Suppachai led a team of southern Bhumjaithai MPs in accepting the proposal, asking not to draw dividing lines and to start working together to solve the problem.
At 16:15 on 29 Jun 2026 GMT+7, at the Government Complaint Center 1111, Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Suppachai Jaisamut, party-list MP of the Bhumjaithai Party, led 12 southern MPs including Kitti Kittitharakul (Krabi Constituency 1), Kittichai Engchuan (Krabi Constituency 3), Atthaphon Traisri (Phang Nga Constituency 2), Pichai Chomphuphon (Surat Thani Constituency 6), Nantawan Wichian (Nakhon Si Thammarat Constituency 2), Amnat Wilawan (Prachinburi Constituency 1), Zakariya Sa-i (Narathiwat Constituency 4), Wichai Sudsawat (Chumphon Constituency 1), Kittisak Phromrat (Chumphon Constituency 2), Natthachon Srikokuea (Songkhla Constituency 7), Kongkrit Chatmaleerat (Ranong), and Athikun Khongmee (Phatthalung Constituency 1) to meet with the Southern Special Economic Zone Development Study Network (SEC Watch) led by Prasitchai Noonuan, who had been protesting against the Southern Special Economic Zone Act and the Land Bridge project since 22 Jun.
At 16:30, Prasitchai spoke to protesters at Chamyamruechet Bridge, stating that today’s negotiations on the five demands from the South and East failed. The Ministry of Transport insisted on pushing the law through all procedures. From now on, the South faces a major crisis: foreigners will have land ownership rights for 99 years, all urban plans will be changed, agricultural land protection rules will be revoked, and public land will be converted into industrial estates to enable foreign land ownership. Reserved professions for Thai nationals will be abolished, foreign entities will assess environmental measures, and foreign currencies will be used for transactions. This intent aims to push the law forward. Southern Bhumjaithai MPs have betrayed trust by promoting legislation that sells land to foreigners extensively.
Prasitchai said the only way for the people to protect the country’s sovereignty is to unite in front of Government House. It is time for Southerners to be mindful because by December, Bhumjaithai plans to push legislation selling southern land to foreigners. Protesters will be divided into two groups: one will camp near Gate 2 of Government House, and the other will seize Gate 5 to close it permanently. They will block government agencies from facilitating the transfer of southern land to foreigners. Their demands include: 1. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) must repeal the Southern Special Economic Zone Act. 2. The Land Bridge project should be canceled immediately as it has no justification. 3. The government must establish a committee to draft a new southern development master plan and halt the expansion of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into Prachinburi province.
At 16:45, Suppachai and southern Bhumjaithai MPs came to listen to the protesters’ demands. He said they came with sincere intentions. As legislators of Bhumjaithai, he confirmed the Southern Special Economic Zone Bill is not on the House agenda. He reassured that if the executive submits such a law, as the party’s legal chairman, he would discuss with the government why it is inappropriate. He emphasized the bill has not yet progressed or started the legislative process. The Prime Minister has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aeknithi Nitithanprapas to study its suitability and impacts. Many steps remain, and the parliamentary system will provide checks and balances.
“I understand the public’s concerns and worries. I have always respected Prasitchai’s ideals. But we must work together democratically, consult with mutual understanding rather than drawing dividing lines. Why not talk to each other? We can collaborate and solve problems together. We will not allow land to be given to foreigners. Today, we start anew to work together. I am fully open. But if protests continue without openness, I think it should not close opportunities like this. I am here with good intentions to protect Thailand together.” .
Suppachai said they have tried to communicate fully. As mentioned, things are separate; he cannot interfere with the executive’s work but will communicate within Bhumjaithai about concerns. The matter does not end today; further contacts will be made. It is better to talk. He does not want people to suffer and invites communication. Having been in politics, he knows how difficult it is for people. He thanked those who listened and gave him a chance to reflect. He will take the protesters’ proposals back to the party for further discussion and problem-solving. They are allies, not opposing sides; the people elected them as MPs.