Thailand shelves Land Bridge plan after study

Thailand's proposed Land Bridge connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea has effectively been shelved after a government study found it offered low commercial viability and carried high financial and environmental risks.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas announced the outcome at Government House at 4pm on 24 July 2026, following the final meeting of the committee appointed to examine the project.

Asked directly whether the plan had been dropped, Ekniti replied: "You could say that."

The committee completed its work 90 days ahead of schedule. Its review was divided between three groups covering economic and investment viability, environmental matters, and public consultation and participation.

Why the panel rejected it

Ekniti said the studies concluded that the Land Bridge had only a low level of feasibility and could create a significant burden on the state budget.

The project's projected returns were vulnerable to external events, he said. Disruption in the Middle East had reduced global trade, meaning returns previously expected to be positive could instead become negative.

The committee also identified competitive and operational risks. Shipping lines were considered unlikely to shift to the proposed Thai route because they had already formed alliances elsewhere, while the speed of transferring cargo through the corridor was another concern.

As a result, Ekniti said the project offered relatively low economic returns while carrying substantial risks.

Environmental concerns were also found to be high. The review said more strategic assessment was needed of potential effects on marine ecosystems, coastal communities' ways of life, food security and forest areas.

Public consultation showed divided views. Private-sector and manufacturing groups were supportive, but most other participants were concerned or undecided. Marine conservation groups opposed the scheme, with environmental issues and transparency among the principal concerns raised.

Ranong port and rail links proposed

Rather than pursuing the Land Bridge, the committee recommended improving Ranong port on the Andaman coast, where the private sector still sees a need for southern sea access.

It also proposed examining rail connections to Ranong port and developing missing rail links that could connect northwards towards China, as well as to ports on Thailand's eastern seaboard.

Ekniti said major investment schemes should begin with a clear national strategy before agencies commission detailed studies. Environmental strategy and lessons from public consultation should also be included from the outset, he said.

The committee will now submit its final report to the prime minister. If approved, it will then go to the Cabinet, in line with the order establishing the committee.

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath

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25 July 2026