The Cabinet retreat in Songkhla will discuss issues in five southern provinces aiming to stimulate the economy and resolve urban planning problems. Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat questioned the EEC protesters, saying the issue was resolved during the "Big Tu" era. He noted the SEC has been canceled and asked protesters not to demonstrate at the Government House.
At 09:40 on 11 August 2026 GMT+7 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told reporters at the Government House that the Prime Minister plans to hold the first off-site Cabinet meeting (Cabinet retreat) in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, from 31 August to 1 September. On 31 August, there will be field visits. The initial order is for this Cabinet retreat to focus on five southern provinces—Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat—to address livelihood and long-standing urban planning issues. He said he met on 9 August with the governors of these five provinces and the private sector to prepare and gather documents to submit to the Governor of Songkhla and the Ministry of Interior.
On 25 August, there will be a summary meeting at the Government House where the five provinces will present projects they believe can stimulate the economy and necessary changes, especially regarding the urban plan and zoning that have been used for some time. Areas needing changes will be proposed by the private sectors and governors of the five provinces. He confirmed that budget frameworks will not be discussed, as that is the responsibility of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The focus will be on proposals from the private sector about what they want and intend to do.
Initially, proposals will focus on promoting occupations and revitalizing the economy in the five southern provinces, especially in the three southern border provinces, where average incomes are the lowest in Thailand. As the Prime Minister has assigned him to oversee the 14 southern provinces, he is taking this opportunity at the Cabinet retreat to address livelihood economic issues in these five provinces and find solutions.
When asked if flood issues would be discussed, Phiphat said flooding is a separate matter. The flood management meeting for Hat Yai and the 14 southern provinces was held on 7 August, with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation as the lead agency. Since it is the rainy season, especially on the Andaman side, he has instructed all 14 provincial governors to submit any proposals through their respective governors.
Asked if the Missing Link project would become clearer, Phiphat said the Prime Minister has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas to consider the Land Bridge project, which has been paused or canceled. The management of Ranong port still requires further study. He has instructed the Ministry of Transport and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to further study the suitability of developing Ranong port and whether it should be a government investment. If unsuitable, OTP will explore alternative locations.
Phiphat also said he needs to discuss the Land Bridge project with protesters, noting that a memorandum of understanding was signed stating the Land Bridge term would not be revived. Once Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti canceled the Land Bridge, that issue was settled. However, building a port on the Andaman coast is important and a great opportunity for Thailand. The choice of port location on the Andaman side must consider suitability across Satun, Krabi, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Ranong provinces. He said Phuket is likely unsuitable for a cargo port because it is an island, though it can serve tourism ports. Cargo ports or the Missing Link must connect with rail transport.
Currently, the double-track southern railway has reached Chumphon. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will present proposals at the Cabinet retreat to extend the railway from Chumphon to Surat Thani, Surat Thani to Hat Yai, and Hat Yai to the Malaysian border. This is an important project to be considered by the Cabinet retreat, with efforts to accelerate progress to achieve clarity soon.
Regarding the Missing Link project, the Prime Minister has ordered its urgent advancement to ensure the rail network can provide continuous travel and transport. Meanwhile, the proposal to develop railway routes connecting to the Andaman coast is under SRT study. They await study results to determine feasibility and implementation methods.
. Asked whether he was concerned about protests escalating over the EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) and SEC (Southern Economic Corridor) if demands are unmet, Phiphat said he does not understand why protests are occurring now, as the EEC was concluded long ago under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government. The SEC was canceled by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti. Therefore, he does not understand the protesters' demands. He invited them to speak directly with him if they want anything and asked them not to demonstrate at the Government House. He questioned the purpose of reviving the SEC issue after its cancellation.
He spoke frankly, saying the SEC and Missing Link are different issues. The Missing Link is still under discussion. He urged protesters to talk rather than protest, as protests waste everyone's time. Each party has ongoing duties. Misunderstandings should be resolved through dialogue, not by unruly protests without clear announcements. If they have issues, they can write to him. He is always ready to talk and suggested the Ministry of Transport as the most convenient venue, requesting protesters not to gather near the Government House, which is the face of Thailand.