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.
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.
Thailand is reviving plans for one of its most ambitious infrastructure projects in decades, a proposed $30 billion “Land Bridge” that would conne...
An exiled Russian artist has been shot dead in Poland days after he carried out a one-man protest against Vladimir Putin, featuring a caricature of th...
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has delivered a stark message to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies, warning that some member stat...
Pakistan announced Thursday that a landmark memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran has entered into force with immediate effect, markin...
North Korea has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom just one month after he arrived in London, in a move linked to British sanctions on a c...
An exiled Russian artist has been shot dead in Poland days after he carried out a one-man protest against Vladimir Putin, featuring a caricature of the Russian President as a baby held by the Soviet-era dictator Joseph Stalin.
North Korea has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom just one month after he arrived in London, in a move linked to British sanctions on a children's camp, according to reports.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children if attacks on Palestinian minors continue at current levels.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has told U.S. President Donald Trump to "stay out" of Brazil's upcoming election, pushing back against comments made by the American leader about the country's political situation.
Donald Trump has said the U.S. will resume bombing Iran if Tehran doesn't "behave," at the sidelines of the G7 summit in France. Earlier, the U.S. President criticised Israel for its tactics against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to tackle militants.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a preliminary agreement to end the war in the Gulf has been signed by the U.S. and Iran, though details have yet to be made public and both countries said a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.
Pakistan's heavy reliance on imported energy was laid bare by the U.S.-Iran conflict, which disrupted regional supplies, drove up costs and exposed vulnerabilities in the country's energy security. However, a proposed peace agreement now offers hope for economic relief.
A cyber extortion group has claimed it stole more than a terabyte of data from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk after the company allegedly refused to pay a $25 million ransom.
American technology company Snap has launched its first augmented-reality (AR) glasses for consumers, marking a major push into wearable computing as tech firms race to redefine personal devices in the AI era.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has delivered a stark message to North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies, warning that some member states are falling short on defence commitments and signalling a tougher U.S. approach as the alliance prepares for its upcoming summit in Ankara.
North Korea has withdrawn its ambassador to the United Kingdom just one month after he arrived in London, in a move linked to British sanctions on a children's camp, according to reports.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has told U.S. President Donald Trump to "stay out" of Brazil's upcoming election, pushing back against comments made by the American leader about the country's political situation.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged new attacks overnight on Thursday. Missiles struck Kyiv while Ukrainian drones hit a major oil refinery in Moscow, just hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders on efforts to end the war.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 18 June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment