Bangkok: A meeting chaired by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, has set the stage for advancing the Land Bridge Project, with plans for a site visit in early July and a subsequent report submission to the Prime Minister in August. The meeting, which took place as part of the 2nd session of the Committee to Study the Implementation of the Transportation Infrastructure Development Project, discussed the project's commercial feasibility and environmental impact.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, emphasized that the meeting served as a preliminary discussion without delving into detailed specifics. The Ministry of Transport is currently awaiting study outcomes from the Ministry of Finance, despite some preparatory studies and additional information provided by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP).
Mr. Danucha Pichayanant, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and secretary of the Land Bridge Project Committee, highlighted the ongoing efforts of the three subcommittees tasked with assessing the project's feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and impacts. The feasibility subcommittee, which he chairs, identified areas needing further information, particularly concerning maritime cargo transport and project operations. Additionally, insights into transshipment times using Singapore's ports as a model are required for comprehensive data analysis.
The Environmental Subcommittee is reviewing the project's potential impacts, including dredging, deforestation, and effects on local livelihoods. They plan to conduct a field visit in early July to gather more information. Meanwhile, the Public Relations Subcommittee is focused on disseminating accurate project information to the public and stakeholders.
Mr. Danucha stressed that the government has not yet committed to proceeding with the project, opting instead for a transparent evaluation process involving both private and public stakeholders. Despite the resignation of Ms. Tham Sinsuwan from a civil society organization, the committee's deliberations continue unaffected, with an emphasis on including civil society perspectives.
Public demands for a project review and consideration of the SEC Act are being taken into account, with a focus on transparent assessment and potential improvements. Geopolitical factors and global trade trends are also being considered as part of the project's feasibility study.
The committee aims to complete its study by August, with a report submission to the Prime Minister. Throughout the study period, no figures or assessments will be disclosed to avoid misinterpretation of incomplete data.