Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is preparing to submit Thailand’s proposed land bridge project to the Cabinet in June, with an estimated value of 1 trillion baht. The project aims to link ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, positioning the country as a strategic logistics hub amid potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The government insists it will not fund the project directly, instead offering land concessions to attract private investment.

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The proposal follows earlier remarks by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who said the project should move forward given possible future instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Officials believe the development could allow Thailand to capitalise on global shipping uncertainties by enabling cargo transfers between the two coasts. The plan focuses on creating dual seaports to connect maritime routes across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Phiphat addressed criticism that container transfers would cause delays, arguing that more than 90 percent of global container shipping already involves transshipment rather than direct delivery. He said cargo is routinely consolidated and redistributed at major ports, and Thailand could benefit by becoming a new transshipment hub. He added that ships stopping in Thailand would not face unique delays, as similar processes already occur in established hubs such as Singapore.

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning has completed its initial survey, and Phiphat said he will conduct site visits in May. The exact starting point for construction will depend on investor interest, with both domestic and international bidders invited to participate on equal terms. The Ministry of Transport is expected to seek Cabinet approval between June and July, with the goal of launching the project within this year.

The total investment is estimated at around 1 trillion baht, but the government will only provide land concessions while private investors fund development. Authorities confirmed that an Environmental and Health Impact Assessment will be required, acknowledging existing local opposition. Phiphat said officials will engage with communities to address concerns and clarify information, noting that some resistance may be influenced by misinformation.

Amarin reported that Phiphat plans to inspect the project area in May and open the project to investors in the third quarter of this year. If approved by the Cabinet, the initiative could mark a major shift in Thailand’s logistics strategy and its role in global shipping routes.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Amarin 26 Apr 2026

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For crying out loud, Thailand seems fixated on starting mega-projects!

How 'bout for once, complete one!

"Thailand's Stonehenge", the Hopewell Project (Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System); the "seven-generation" Rama 2 Road; the Bangkok - Nong Khai High-speed Rail; Suvarnabhumi Airport Expansion (East Expansion); The Kra Canal.

If they find even one investor for this dumb project, I will be surprised...

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who said the project should move forward given possible future instability in the Strait of Hormuz.

This is not about the strait of hormuz.

This is about the strait of Malacca .

A land bridge is not the solution.

China is going to push for a channel.

3 minutes ago, FlorC said:

This is not about the strait of hormuz.

This is about the strait of Malacca .

A land bridge is not the solution.

China is going to push for a channel.

Even tho a canal would cost a zillion baht at least, it would be somewhat useful....

The government's drive to create a 'land bridge' across the Thailand isthmus linking two sea ports for freighters is being seriously pushed by the current government.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3249532/land-bridge-to-face-review

The project would cost more than 1 trillion baht - and the government is pushing for it to go ahead, even though shipping companies are skeptical.

I don't really get it either. It means shipping companies need two ships instead of one and loading and offloading is required twice, then transfering the cargo across the 'landbridge' from one port to the other. Apparently it would save only two days of travel at sea (to go through the Straight of Malacca).

On 4/26/2026 at 8:47 AM, Jim Waldron said:

For crying out loud, Thailand seems fixated on starting mega-projects!

How 'bout for once, complete one!

"Thailand's Stonehenge", the Hopewell Project (Bangkok Elevated Road and Train System); the "seven-generation" Rama 2 Road; the Bangkok - Nong Khai High-speed Rail; Suvarnabhumi Airport Expansion (East Expansion); The Kra Canal.

Finishing a few of the rather small road fixing projects around my town might be a better use for the money... they seem to sit making a nuisance for several months of nothing happening!

On 4/26/2026 at 8:47 AM, Jim Waldron said:

For crying out loud, Thailand seems fixated on starting mega-projects!

How 'bout for once, complete one!

Forever projects are the goal, infinite payouts and bribes.

They can assess all they like but I wonder who the "private investors" coughing up USD 30 billion will be ?

Seems weak to be leveraging the Hormuz situation to push this project. In this case, the potential interlocutors shutting the straight of Malacca appear to be Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. This doesn't seem very likely...

As Phiphat is an "elder statesman" I suspect Anutin is reluctant to not show his support publicly and is just letting the idea run for others to put the block on the project.

I give it 10% chance of coming to fruition.