Bangkok: The Cabinet acknowledged the recommendations for the "Land Bridge Project" and assigned the Ministry of Transport to lead the study of its comprehensive impact. Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet acknowledged recommendations regarding the infrastructure development project for the Southern Economic Corridor, aimed at connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea (the Land Bridge Project) between Chumphon and Ranong provinces, as proposed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay stated that the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) are as follows: The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) is instructed to conduct public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon provinces. These hearings aim to gather opinions on the direction of development at the structural or overall level, recognizing the right to self-determination and the freedom to develop their own economy, society, and culture. This input will be used to assess the feasibility of the land bridge project and to allow all groups and professions of the public to participate in determining the development plan for Chumphon and Ranong provinces, consistent with the potential of the area as presented in the feasibility study report prepared by the NESDC in 2021-2022.

The results of the public consultations and the study report will be used to consider the feasibility of proceeding with the land bridge project. This must be consistent with the potential of the area and the needs of the people in the area. The Ministry of Transport is assigned as the lead agency to consider this matter in conjunction with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Interior, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and other relevant agencies to study the feasibility and appropriateness of the recommendations. The Ministry of Transport is to summarize the results of its consideration or overall actions and submit them to the Cabinet Secretariat within 30 days of receiving notification from the Cabinet Secretariat for presentation to the Cabinet.