BANGKOK, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said on Friday that a government study has found the "Land Bridge" megaproject has low economic viability and high risk, effectively shelving the plan.
During a press conference, Ekniti said the study concluded that the "Land Bridge," the infrastructure development project designed to connect transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, has low feasibility and could create fiscal burdens carrying relatively high risks.
Ekniti, who leads a government committee tasked with studying the proposed "Land Bridge" project, said the study found that the impact of tensions in the Middle East has reduced global trade, meaning returns once projected as positive could turn negative, raising the risk considerably.
While shipping lines were unlikely to reroute through Thailand due to existing alliances, slow cargo transfer speeds would further limit returns, he explained.
The study also flagged high environmental risk, citing gaps in addressing impacts on marine ecosystems, coastal communities, food security, and forests, along with continued opposition from marine conservation groups.
Instead, the committee recommended upgrading the southern Ranong Port and developing rail links connecting it to China and Thailand's eastern seaboard ports.
The findings will be submitted to the prime minister, who may forward them to the cabinet for endorsement. ■