Thailand’s Ministry of Transport has indicated that the THB990 billion land bridge project under the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) could be opened for bidding within four years, subject to approval of enabling legislation and funding mechanisms. The project, promoted under the administration of Anutin Charnvirakul, is being prepared for private-sector participation through a public–private partnership (PPP) model. The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is currently drafting the request for proposals (RFP), while roadshows have been conducted to gauge investor interest.
The land bridge will link ports on the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, forming a multimodal corridor comprising deep-sea ports, motorway connections and double-track rail infrastructure. Under the revised development plan, Phase 1/1 capacity has been adjusted to 4 million TEUs, down from the earlier 6 million TEUs target, while long-term capacity remains planned at 20 million TEUs. Total investment has been revised from THB1.19 trillion to THB990 billion following economic reassessments. The project is expected to be implemented under a 50 year PPP Net Cost concession, based on a One Port, Two Sides principle covering integrated construction and operations.
The project was initially proposed in 2005 and later revived under subsequent administrations. It aligns with Thailand’s 20-Year National Strategy and the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027), positioning the country as a logistics hub connecting the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Supporting legislation, notably the draft Southern Economic Corridor Act, remains pending. If approved, the government expects to advance the project to tender and secure private co-investment within four years.
Separately, the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is progressing the Samui island expressway project, estimated at THB74.04 billion, also under a PPP model. The project is forecast to serve approximately 3,049 vehicles per day in its opening year (around 2034), increasing to over 10,000 vehicles per day by year 30.