BANGKOK, Thailand — The Thai government has acknowledged the need for broader public communication on its ambitious Land Bridge megaproject, following a recent opinion poll that revealed both support and limited understanding among southern residents.
Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the administration accepts the findings of a NIDA Poll survey titled “What Do Southerners Think About the Land Bridge Project?” which showed that 67.22% of respondents who had heard of the project expressed support. This included 34.21% who strongly agreed and 33.01% who somewhat agreed, while 32.78% opposed the initiative.
However, the poll also highlighted a key challenge: more than half of respondents—54.53%—said they had only a limited understanding of the project, underscoring the urgent need for clearer and more accessible public communication.
Rachada said the Prime Minister has instructed all relevant agencies to accelerate efforts to explain the project to the public, emphasizing transparency and continuous engagement with all stakeholders.
The Land Bridge project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, is widely seen by academics and analysts as a strategic move to boost Thailand’s competitiveness. It is expected to enhance logistics, create jobs, and attract foreign investment, potentially serving as a key driver of long-term economic growth.
Despite overall support, the government acknowledged ongoing concerns among the public, stressing the importance of addressing all questions and ensuring that the project moves forward with careful consideration and broad acceptance. (TNA)
