BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has effectively shelved its long-planned Land Bridge megaproject after a government study concluded it offers limited economic value, weak commercial viability, and significant environmental risks. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced that a government-appointed committee completed its review 90 days ahead of schedule. The study found the proposed transport corridor linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea carries high financial risks and is unlikely to deliver the expected returns.
The review examined three key areas: economic and investment feasibility, environmental impacts, and public consultation. According to the findings, slower global trade, intensified by instability in the Middle East, has reduced the project’s projected benefits. Officials also noted that major international shipping lines have already established strategic alliances elsewhere, making it unlikely they would shift operations to Thailand.
The committee further concluded that operational challenges, including cargo transfer efficiency and management, would limit the project’s competitiveness and economic returns. Environmental concerns also weighed heavily on the decision. The study warned the project could affect sensitive marine ecosystems, coastal communities, food security, forests, and wildlife. It also highlighted potential impacts on Thailand’s largest mangrove forest in Ranong, internationally recognized wetlands, coral reefs, world-class dive sites, and underwater archaeological resources.
Public consultations revealed divided opinions, with businesses and manufacturers generally supporting the project, while conservation groups and many local communities raised concerns over environmental damage, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Instead of proceeding with the Land Bridge, the government plans to focus on upgrading Ranong Port and improving rail connections linking southern Thailand with the country’s eastern ports and onward to China through the regional rail network. Asked whether the announcement meant the Land Bridge project had effectively been abandoned, Ekniti replied, “You could say that.”
