The Prime Minister dispelled rumors about abandoning the 'Land Bridge' project, affirming that it has not been canceled but only adjusted according to the situation. He pointed out that if geopolitical conditions become suitable, the project is ready to be revived at any time.
On 27 July 2026 at the Government House, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul spoke regarding reports that the government was preparing to scrap the infrastructure development project connecting transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, known as the 'Land Bridge' project. He stated that the project has not been abandoned but that the implementation plan has been adjusted to align with current circumstances.
Anutin stated that at this time, accelerating the development of connecting networks, especially railway connections, will enable the fastest progress. This goes hand in hand with upgrading ports on both sides. When the time is right, or when necessary and geopolitically appropriate, the Land Bridge project can be dusted off and resumed at any time.
Regarding whether a new port will be built in Ranong or if the existing site will be developed, the Prime Minister said that detailed study and further upgrades are needed. Currently, he has not yet discussed study results with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Akniti Nitithanprapas, who chairs the committee studying the project's advancement and has met with the Ministry of Transport to produce a joint statement.
Anutin added that the area has several other projects that can proceed. Port improvements must be considered on both sides, along with speeding up the Missing Link, which is positive as it will help connect the railway network. Currently, the railway does not cover the western region, and success in this area would improve the efficiency of freight transportation connections.
Regarding progress on the high-speed rail linking the three airports, as chairman of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Board, Anutin revealed that a meeting is expected soon. After 28 July, he plans to invite EEC Secretary-General Chula Sukmanop for detailed discussions.
When asked about the possibility of canceling the high-speed rail contract connecting the three airports, the Prime Minister confirmed that it has not reached that point. Large contracts like this are not easily canceled and require thorough study. Any cancellation must be mutually agreed upon. The government has rarely breached contracts and even if errors occur, there are processes for correction or compensation. He noted that contract cancellations between the government and private sector are uncommon due to strict contract terms, and that this matter will be revisited later.