Bangkok: The Cabinet has acknowledged the proposal for the development of the Southern Economic Corridor, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea through the Land Bridge project between Chumphon and Ranong provinces. The initiative seeks to bolster economic connectivity between these significant maritime regions.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that the proposal includes recommendations from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the infrastructure development project. The NHRC has highlighted the importance of public participation in this endeavor, urging the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to conduct public hearings in the affected provinces. These hearings are intended to gather local opinions on the development direction, respecting the communities' right to self-determination and their freedom to foster economic, social, and cultural growth.

The input from these public consultations, along with a feasibility study report prepared by the NESDC in 2021-2022, will be crucial in assessing the project's feasibility. The aim is to ensure that the development plan aligns with the area's potential and addresses the needs of local residents. The Ministry of Transport has been designated as the lead agency to collaborate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior, the NESDC, and other relevant bodies in evaluating the recommendations' feasibility and suitability.

The Ministry of Transport is tasked with compiling and summarizing the findings or actions taken in response to these recommendations. A report is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat within 30 days of notification, for presentation to the Cabinet, thus advancing the development of the Southern Economic Corridor.