Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva has voiced strong criticism of the proposed land bridge project, urging for the formation of a special committee to thoroughly examine its feasibility and implications. He warned that if the project fails, it could become a "monument to a wrong decision."

According to Thai News Agency, during a meeting of the House of Representatives chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, the idea of establishing a special committee to study the land bridge project was discussed. The project, which involves a significant investment of 1 trillion baht, aims to replace the Strait of Malacca by leveraging Thailand's geographical advantage. Abhisit, a member of the Democrat Party, highlighted several concerns about the project.

The first reason Abhisit cited was the project's economic viability. He challenged the claim that the land bridge would save time and money, arguing that the supposed efficiency gains from bypassing the Strait of Malacca are offset by increased costs and logistical complexities. He called for a detailed study to assess the project's true feasibility.

Environmental impact was another major concern. Abhisit pointed out the lack of comprehensive studies on the project's ecological consequences, such as the potential disruption of World Heritage sites and biodiversity-rich wetlands. He emphasized the risk of damaging valuable cultural and natural resources that could otherwise support sustainable economic activities like ecotourism.

Abhisit also questioned the project's potential to benefit the local population. He argued that the land bridge primarily serves foreign interests and urged for investments in infrastructure that directly improve the quality of life in southern Thailand. He proposed alternatives like enhancing road and rail networks and developing ports to boost regional trade.

Another critical issue raised was the potential restrictions on foreign investment. Abhisit warned that the project's reliance on private sector funding could lead to undesirable economic shifts, such as the development of industrial estates contrary to the region's needs.

Security concerns were also a significant factor in Abhisit's opposition. He cautioned against the geopolitical risks of turning the area into a strategic point, drawing parallels with conflict-prone regions like the South China Sea. He highlighted the dangers of escalating tensions between superpowers like the United States and China, which could compromise national security.

Abhisit concluded by questioning the government's decision to push the project without adequate public consultation or parliamentary oversight. He argued that establishing a special committee would ensure transparency and allow for a comprehensive evaluation of the project's potential impact on the region and the nation.