Bangkok: The Senate is preparing to submit a motion requesting the government to reconsider proceeding with the land bridge project, citing concerns about cost-effectiveness and potential environmental impact in the area.

According to Thai News Agency, Senators Mr. Noraset Prachyakorn, Mr. Sunthorn Pruksapipat, and Mr. Pornchai Wityalertphan held a press conference at the Parliament building addressing these concerns. They highlighted that the land bridge project is projected to cost approximately 1 trillion baht and could have significant environmental impacts. The government plans to expedite the project despite the Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) for the Ranong and Chumphon ports being incomplete and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the related double-track railway and motorway still under review. The economic feasibility of the project also remains contentious.

Mr. Noraset Prachyakorn emphasized that he has prepared a motion to be submitted to the Senate to urge the government to reconsider the project. He noted the project's large scale and potential environmental impacts as reasons for the Senate to have a comprehensive discussion. While not opposing development, Mr. Prachyakorn questioned whether the land bridge is the appropriate investment to drive Thailand's growth.