BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): Acting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha wants to expand transport infrastructure to enhance economic development in the southern region, government spokesman said on Sunday (June 11). , Anucha Burapachaisri.
This includes connecting transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, it added.
This project is intended to further enhance the advantages of Thailand’s geographical location in Southeast Asia, which is conducive to transportation and trade.
Relevant agencies have been instructed to study and develop the South Land Bridge project as part of the basic infrastructure development efforts to integrate a seamless transportation service between the two seaports in Ranong and Chumphon provinces.
Efficient shipping is expected to boost Thailand’s economic competitiveness. The Prime Minister closely monitored the progress of the project and stressed the need to be comprehensive, considering the views of stakeholders, business operators, investors and local residents.
The government spokesman also added that the main infrastructure of the Land Bridge project includes deep-water ports in Chumphon province on the Gulf of Thailand side and Ranong province on the Andaman Sea side.
The connection route between the two ports extends for approximately 90 km and consists of a six-lane highway and standard gauge railways. The project takes advantage of the country’s geographical location as a strategic center of transport and trade in Southeast Asia.
The Land Bridge project aims to reduce distances and transport costs, as well as support the growth of other complementary industries, Anucha said.
The spokesperson added that the Land Bridge project is not just about developing transport and logistics infrastructure, but also a crucial part of the development of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC).
SEC covers the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, and is envisioned as a central hub linking trade and logistics to the country’s main economic areas.
The SEC is expected to serve as a platform for the development of high-value agro-processing and bio-industries, as well as raising the quality and standards of tourism internationally.
The project is currently gathering feedback from various groups, including international investors in various shipping lines, Thai and foreign business operators, and the public. In addition, studies are being carried out to assess environmental impacts and analyze investment development models, accompanied by extensive public consultation.
The Ministry of Transportation anticipates that once the Land Bridge project is completed, it will increase the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in the southern region from 2% to 10% continuously for at least 10 years, generating economic value of nearly 500 billion baht. .
In addition, it will create employment opportunities, introduce new professions to communities, increase income and improve quality of life in all areas, the spokesperson said.
The prime minister wants to lay the foundation for the development of integrated basic infrastructure, which will connect all regions of the country and extend to neighboring ASEAN nations through land, rail, sea and air transportation infrastructure, he said.
Being a regional transportation hub would support agriculture, tourism, various industries and improve the quality of life for people in the area and boost Thailand’s competitive capabilities, Anucha added.
Discover more from PressNewsAgency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.