The Democrat Party spokesperson highlighted the “Southern Connext” model to revitalize the southern economy, covering over 1,000 kilometers of transport routes. He emphasized that the national budget is not a cake to be divided only among provinces chosen by the ruling party.
On 21 Aug 2026 GMT+7 at the Democrat Party headquarters, Mr. Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, the party's spokesperson, commented on the government's decision to withdraw from the Land Bridge project due to concerns over cost-effectiveness and risks. He said the government is on the right path but must develop a strategic, regional transport connection plan rather than focusing on isolated local projects. Regarding the proposed transport link between Ranong and Chumphon ports (the Missing Link), he stressed the need to assess Ranong Port’s role comprehensively. Considering global marine traffic data, most commercial shipping routes pass through the Strait of Malacca. Ranong Port, located quite far from this main route, is more suitable as a feeder port serving countries in the Bay of Bengal, such as Bangladesh, rather than as a primary port. Without clear direction and alignment with global shipping routes, the port may face financial viability issues due to longer detours. Therefore, the national budget is not a cake to be divided only among provinces that support the ruling party. He urged the government to step back and take a holistic view of projects that will foster growth across the entire southern region, to generate income and sustainably improve the quality of life for southern residents.
The Democrat Party spokesperson further proposed the Southern Connext network concept, covering over 1,000 kilometers of transport routes, comprising key interconnected infrastructures: the Bangkok–Narathiwat motorway as a major highway linking upper southern provinces to the deep south; the electrified double-track railway and ICD from Bangkok to Padang Besar to enhance Thai-Malaysian logistics and reduce freight costs; the Samui Island connecting bridge to unlock tourism potential and facilitate emergency medical transfers; the Surat Thani–Phang Nga–Phuket rail line seamlessly connecting the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand coasts; and the Gulf and Andaman Sea ports serving as gateways for exporting agricultural and halal products from the lower south to global markets. Looking at regional development, Songkhla Province hosts the most critical shipping routes. Developing it into a major port would maximize benefits for southern residents region-wide. He called on the government to plan investments comprehensively to distribute prosperity fairly and evenly to all southern provinces.
