The government spokesperson revealed that the Prime Minister has issued a policy to review the land bridge project and adjust plans to accelerate investment in the “Missing Links” along the North-South Economic Corridor, aiming to connect Thailand to the ASEAN logistics hub, enhance competitiveness, and attract investment.,
On 22 July 2026 GMT+7, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, disclosed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed relevant agencies to review the development approach for the land bridge project alongside expediting investments in immediately actionable infrastructure. This particularly focuses on filling gaps in incomplete transportation networks (Missing Links) in both rail and road systems to improve the efficiency of the country’s transport, trade, and investment.
The Prime Minister stated that Thailand benefits from its position as a regional hub; by completing the missing segments of the transportation network, goods transport will be faster, logistics costs will be reduced, competitiveness will increase, and investment will be attracted without having to wait for large-scale projects to be completed.
The government spokesperson said the uncertainty in global shipping routes, especially due to conflicts in the Middle East, underscores the importance of having a seamlessly connected transportation network—by road, rail, sea, and air—to ensure long-term supply chain security.
One key approach the government promotes is completing the Missing Links along the North-South Economic Corridor, which connects China, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. During the Prime Minister's recent official visit to China and talks with the Chinese Premier, the Prime Minister expressed the government’s commitment to accelerating the railway connection from Chiang Khong District in Chiang Rai Province to Nateuy in Laos and onwards to Mohan in China, aiming for a fully integrated regional rail network to enhance freight transport efficiency and boost international trade potential.
In the short term, the government will expedite development of the Ranong port, linking it with Chumphon Province via rail and road networks to increase transport options between the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Thailand. The government will comprehensively assess cost-effectiveness, investment models, and economic returns before deciding on the next steps.
"The government prioritizes investments that are feasible, yield quick results, and bring tangible benefits to the public and business sector. Completing gaps in the transportation network will reduce logistics costs, increase trade and investment opportunities, and elevate Thailand’s role as a regional connectivity hub, alongside studying large-scale projects to maximize national benefits," the spokesperson said.