PRESS RELEASE:
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed confidence in the potential benefits of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject for Thailand’s southern region. The project, which seeks to connect Ranong with Chumphon, includes the development of deep-water ports, a motorway, and a railway system.
Since arriving in Ranong yesterday (Jan 22) for the 1st mobile Cabinet meeting this year, the Prime Minister, along with Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, has inspected the construction site at Laem Son National Park and received updates at Laem Ao Ang. The project is expected to alleviate congestion on the Strait of Malacca, a key global oil route, and to promote development and foreign investment in Thailand.
Despite the project’s early stages and ongoing public hearings, concerns have been raised about its environmental impact and effects on the local fishery industry. The Rak Phato Network, a conservationist group from Chumphon province, has voiced apprehensions about the project’s potential harm to sea biodiversity.
In response, the government is planning further studies on the environmental impact and exploring opportunities in wellness tourism for Ranong. Srettha assured that the project, if successful, would bring diverse opportunities to the Andaman region.
Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara announced recently that the cabinet is set to approve a 447-million-baht budget for 20 Quick Win projects in the Andaman region, to be discussed during a mobile cabinet meeting on Jan 23.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
