Ratchada responded to the opposition, affirming that the Missing Link project connecting the Chumphon railway to Ranong port will enhance logistics capabilities, establish a trade gateway to the Andaman coast, link China and Singapore, and stimulate economic growth across all regions.
On 28 July 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that in response to opposition questions about shifting focus from the land bridge project to advancing the Missing Link to complete transportation networks, concerns were raised about whether this would reduce economic opportunities in the southern region.
“The government assures that the Missing Link project between Chumphon railway and Ranong port will elevate the nation's logistics capacity, aiming to become the ASEAN regional hub in the future. This will drive economic growth in all regions, especially the South. Furthermore, other southern development initiatives will continue steadily, aligning with the National Economic and Social Development Plan.”
Completing the Missing Link to connect the remaining transportation gaps will involve rail, road, and port systems, maximizing existing infrastructure. This includes developing Ranong port, dredging navigation channels, improving port hinterlands, connecting road networks, and constructing the Chumphon–Ranong railway segment to support Ranong Gateway’s integration with the country’s main rail network, as well as routes to Thailand–Laos–China and Malaysia–Singapore.
Ms. Ratchada stated that once upgraded, Ranong port will directly benefit by: 1) opening the Andaman coast trade gateway to BIMSTEC countries—Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka—extending to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, facilitating Thai exports especially from the South; and 2) when the network is fully connected, reducing transportation time and costs, offering more export routes from the Andaman coast, and enhancing the country's logistics capacity as a regional hub.
The Chumphon–Ranong railway project has completed study and design phases, with only the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) remaining before Cabinet consideration. If approved, construction is expected to take about three years. This indicates the project is backed by completed studies and designs, allowing the approval process to proceed without restarting.
Besides logistics infrastructure development, the government is advancing southern development in tourism, agricultural product processing, natural resource management, border economy, and regional economic integration, following the development framework of the National Economic and Social Development Council.
“The government listens to all proposals, basing investment decisions on value and national benefit. Completing the Missing Link increases the value of existing infrastructure, reduces costs for businesses, enhances national competitiveness, and delivers tangible benefits to the public. This will be pursued alongside economic development projects in the South. Additionally, the project aligns with private sector requests made at the Joint Public-Private Sector Committee (JPP) to resolve transport bottlenecks and fully utilize existing infrastructure,” Ms. Ratchada said.