Bangkok: Academics point out that the 67% support for the land bridge is a key factor. Chulalongkorn University academics highlight the land bridge project as a strategic opportunity, with 67% public support serving as a significant asset. They urge the government not to squander this chance.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sitthithorn Thananithichot, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, emphasized the importance of the Land Bridge project, describing it as a 'strategic opportunity' that requires careful management by the government. A recent NIDA Poll survey indicates that 67.22% of people in the South support the project, which is seen as a rare form of 'social capital' for a large-scale initiative.

Mr. Sitthithorn remarked that the key issue is not the feasibility of the project but rather how to prevent resource wastage. He stressed that gaining support from those directly impacted is a good starting point for policy. However, the data also reveals that over 54% of the public have only a basic understanding of the project, with only a small percentage possessing a deep understanding. "This is both an opportunity and a risk at the same time," Mr. Sitthithorn noted, cautioning that trust not grounded in clear understanding is fragile and may change if the government fails to address societal questions honestly.

The survey further highlighted public concerns, with environmental issues accounting for 38.03%, community impacts for 29.71%, and transparency for 25.81%. This suggests that the public is not against development but seeks quality development.

Mr. Sitthithorn warned that misinterpreting these signals could lead the land bridge project to encounter the same issues as past large-scale projects that ended in conflict. However, if correctly interpreted, these concerns could guide policy design.

Four key approaches were proposed to legitimize the project long-term:

Firstly, the state must improve its communication from one-way information sharing to creating a public space for citizen engagement through information disclosure and direct, honest answers.

Secondly, transparency should be institutionalized, with oversight committees including civil society and academics, and systematic procurement information disclosure.

Thirdly, it is crucial to ensure local people are "beneficiaries," not merely "sacrifices," through fair compensation, community investment, and local economic opportunities.

Finally, the environmental dimension must be central to the project, with an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/EHIA) conducted according to international standards and transparent public disclosure.

Mr. Sitthithorn concluded that the Land Bridge project represents not just infrastructure but a 'strategic milestone' that could shape Thailand's role in the global economic and geopolitical system. "The 67.22% support represents an opportunity, but maintaining that support is the real test for the government," he asserted.