Bangkok: The Deputy Minister of Transport has addressed a live parliamentary question, affirming the government's decision to advance with the land bridge project as a strategic response to the global maritime crisis. The initiative aims to alleviate congestion in the Strait of Malacca and is expected to cut transit time by up to five days.
According to Thai News Agency, during a House of Representatives meeting chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, Ms. Orathai Kerdsub, a Member of Parliament from Phuket Province of the Kla Tham Party, inquired about the land bridge project's revival. The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, clarified that the project was prioritized due to the increasing number of ships passing through the Strait of Malacca, which is projected to rise from 90,000 annually to 110,000 by 2030. He highlighted that the narrow strait poses significant congestion and accident risks, necessitating alternative routes.
Ms. Orathai expressed concerns regarding the project's financial viability, citing studies that suggested it would not recover its investment within 30 years. However, Mr. Siripong noted that the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP) projected a positive Net Present Value (NPV) and a 24-year investment recovery timeline. He assured that the project would be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), minimizing the national budget impact.
Environmental concerns were also raised by Ms. Orathai, particularly about the impact on Ranong and Chumphon provinces. Mr. Siripong acknowledged the necessity of thorough Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and Environmental Health Impact Assessments (EHIA) and emphasized the project's potential to create jobs and boost local economies. He reassured that measures would be in place to ensure the project coexists with local communities.
The Deputy Minister also addressed concerns about foreign ownership and land concessions, emphasizing that the project aims to create a new economic zone that benefits both Thai and foreign investors. He highlighted the importance of maintaining Thailand's neutrality amidst global economic competition, ensuring that the project serves the best interests of Thai citizens.
The discussion underscored the critical importance of the land bridge project in enhancing Thailand's strategic position in global trade and improving the economic landscape in the southern provinces.