The Ministry of Thailand is set to meet to consider a motion urging the government to reconsider the proposed southern Land Bridge project, a large-scale infrastructure plan aimed at linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.
The project, valued at about THB990 billion, has been promoted by the government as a strategic investment to boost economic growth, reduce logistics costs and position Thailand as a regional transport hub. It involves developing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, connected by road and rail across the southern peninsula.
However, lawmakers, academics and civil society groups have raised concerns about its environmental impact, potential disruption to local communities and overall economic viability. Studies by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning suggest the project may not generate sufficient returns, while alternative, lower-impact options have not been fully explored.
Public opinion remains mixed. A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration found that while many residents in southern Thailand support the project, more than half have only a limited understanding of its implications.