Bangkok: The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has clarified that it has never conducted a study on the feasibility of combining a "land bridge" project with the Southern Economic Corridor to maximize national benefits. This statement was made by Mr. Danucha Pichayanant, Secretary-General of the NESDC.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danucha addressed previous studies conducted during General Prayut Chan-o-cha's administration, which had concluded that the land bridge project was economically unviable. He emphasized that the NESDC had never studied the land bridge project in detail and that earlier evaluations focused more on the "Thai Canal." The study compared the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) with the land bridge and Thai Canal projects, determining that the Thai Canal offered the least benefit due to its uneconomical nature, while the land bridge was hindered by high investment costs. In contrast, the SEC, which includes industrial areas, was assessed to be more beneficial.
Mr. Danucha also elaborated on the current government's interest in the land bridge project, stressing that its model and investment aspects require careful consideration. He noted that a thorough comparison is essential to determine potential benefits, and that industrial areas and additional land development are crucial components. A significant challenge is Thailand's lack of a major western port for exporting goods. Establishing a western port, possibly starting in Ranong province, could facilitate goods transportation from Laem Chabang, thereby benefiting the country. The Ministry of Transport is expected to conduct a comprehensive study on the matter, but the project's viability remains uncertain until all components and details are thoroughly examined.