Thailand revives $30bn land bridge project to rival Malacca Strait

Thailand is reviving plans for one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades, a proposed $30 billion “Land Bridge” that would connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea and offer an alternative trade route to the busy Strait of Malacca.

The project, brought back to the forefront by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul after he took office in April, envisions the construction of two deep-sea ports linked by railways and highways across southern Thailand. Officials argue the corridor could strengthen supply-chain resilience, reduce shipping times and position Thailand as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

Renewed concerns over disruptions at major maritime chokepoints have added momentum to the proposal. Thai authorities believe the Land Bridge could capture a share of the transshipment traffic that currently moves through the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

According to government planning documents reviewed by Reuters, the project would feature dual rail networks connecting the two ports, alongside highways and supporting transport infrastructure. The full development could eventually handle up to 20 million Twenty foot equivalent (TEU) annually.

Supporters say the project would bring significant economic benefits to southern Thailand, creating jobs, attracting investment and stimulating growth in sectors such as logistics, hospitality and services. Business leaders in Ranong province believe the corridor could transform the region into a major trade gateway and reduce transportation times for exports.

However, the proposal has sparked concern among residents, environmental groups and researchers. Communities located along the planned route fear the development could threaten traditional livelihoods based on fishing, agriculture and tourism.

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Many local residents say they have received limited information about the project’s potential impact. Environmental advocates have criticised the consultation process, arguing that community participation remains insufficient and that environmental assessments risk becoming a procedural exercise rather than a meaningful review.

Questions have also been raised about the project’s economic feasibility. Some local business owners argue that existing agricultural industries already generate substantial revenue without large-scale industrial development and question whether the projected returns justify the estimated cost.

Analysts remain cautious about the Land Bridge’s ability to compete directly with the Strait of Malacca as a global transit route. However, some experts believe the project could still serve an important strategic purpose for Thailand by strengthening domestic transport networks, improving energy security and expanding export capabilities.

While the government presents the Land Bridge as a transformative national project, significant challenges remain, including securing investment, addressing environmental concerns and gaining broader support from communities that would be most affected by the development.

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