Thai Gov’t to Unveil ‘Land Bridge’ Locations by June

• Kongleaphy Keam
• 30 March 2021
• Construction Focus
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The Thai government will unveil the locations of its planned ‘land bridge’ project, a possible replacement of the long-mulled Kra Canal, in June this year, according to Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.

The project has been studied since September last year with an approved budget of 68 million baht (US$2.2 million). The studies include an environmental impact assessment, a business development model, and programmes to generate public understanding of the project proposal.

All the studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2023 or earlier.

According to the initial plan, the Land Bridge project will include the construction of a deep-sea port in Chumphon Province on the Gulf of Thailand, the upgrade of Ranong port on the Andaman Sea, a dual-track railway and a 120 kilometres motorway.

The project would cost approximately 990 billion baht (US$31 billion) of which the government is considering opening it for the public-private partnership (PPP).

If built, this Land Bridge will offer international shippers an alternative route, bypassing the Straits of Malacca and shortening shipping time by about one day.

The project was endorsed by the government due to its lower investment cost plus less negative impacts compared to the Kra canal.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha suggested this project could help kick-start the country’s recovery from COVID-19.

Photo Credit: Bangkok Post

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