DPM believes no need for "Khlong Thai" yet

[webfact]

DPM believes no need for "Khlong Thai" yet

BANGKOK, 30 May 2016 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister has stated there is not yet a need to dig a “Khlong Thai” in the southern region to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea as there are more pressing matters.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has given his response to an idea by the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) to dig a so-called “Khlong Thai” or Thai Canal in the southern region and to create an artificial island in Songkhla and Krabi provinces, remarking that the government is not considering such actions as the nation still has more pressing matters to be dealt with. He noted that the projects also have equal amounts of supporters and opposition, making them problematic to conduct.

The NRSA today held off its weekly meeting to allow members to engage in a ceremony in honor of King Rama 7. Its meeting tomorrow will focus on increasing the efficacy of its missions.


-- NNT 2016-05-30

[Chang_paarp]

It would make a "natural" border for the Muslim insurrection to claim for their northern border.

[Mango Bob]

I believe it should be one of your pressing issues. It should have been done year ago. But they don't want to piss for Signapore.

[Reigntax]

It will be overrun with jet skis within a month of completion.

[Nbarch]

Will it be deep enough for Chinese submarines?

[chainarong]

Don't know about a fifty fifty split, you could do a Prayut - o transparency fast track government to government project , and get the Chinese to control the cut back in designs , finance , development and structural design , sure to be a winner in their somewhere..........................................

[worgeordie]

This will disappoint all the rich and influential people who bought land down

there,just hoping it would be built,many years ago, looks like they will have

to wait a bit longer, Ah.

regards worgeordie

[mtls2005]

This will disappoint all the rich and influential people who bought land down there,just hoping it would be built,many years ago, looks like they will have to wait a bit longer, Ah.

FWIW, I think the first suggestion of a Kra Isthmus Canal was made in the late 17th century.

[BigBadGeordie]

I fail to see what more pressing matters are to be dealt with.

The Junta have brought happiness to the nation, resolved the lottery pricing issue and created many cycle lanes, what's left to do?

[ChrisY1]

These clowns can't build a waste treatment plant without massive corruption...how on earth would they ever be able to dig a trench that takes ships:)))

[Winniedapu]

These clowns can't build a waste treatment plant without massive corruption...how on earth would they ever be able to dig a trench that takes ships:)))

Thinking you actually lead the world is a good start.

If you're going to have grandiose visions, being deluded often helps...

W

[Winniedapu]

This will disappoint all the rich and influential people who bought land down there,just hoping it would be built,many years ago, looks like they will have to wait a bit longer, Ah.

FWIW, I think the first suggestion of a Kra Isthmus Canal was made in the late 17th century.

They're probably getting s bit impatient by now then. A large trench takes 300+ years .

A single internet gateway takes about 20 minutes.

Something a bit wrong with their priorities maybe...

W

[webfact]

DPM Prawit no to Klong Thai project



BANGKOK: -- A proposal by a group of military officers in the National Reform Steering Assembly for the dredging of a canal linking the Andaman sea at Krabi with the Gulf at Songkhla has been shot down by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan.

The deputy prime minister in charge of security affairs said Monday that he had said several times before that he rejected the canal project known as Klong Thai to be proposed to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha by the NRSA group.

“If the propose it again, my position remains unchanged – that is No. They (NRSA group) better do something else. Whoever want to do it, just do it but not for me,”said General Prawit.

He pointed out that the issue is sensitive because there are camps – one wants a canal to be dredged and the other does not want the canal. “It is better that we do nothing so that there will be no conflict. Ships will sail a bit longer distance through the strait (Malaca). It is all right,” he said.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/165317


-- Thai PBS 2016-05-31

[Eric Loh]

I believe it should be one of your pressing issues. It should have been done year ago. But they don't want to piss for Signapore.

You seriously think that digging up canal can compete with 60 years of building the port collective facilities and infrastructures, supporting services and the port efficiency in Singapore? Not to mention the deep water harbors. Malaysia did try with parallel ports right opposite Singapore in Johore but are of no threats.

[LannaGuy]

won't the naga escape?

[Srikcir]

He noted that the projects also have equal amounts of supporters and opposition, making them problematic to conduct.

Not seen any poll taken on the proposal so why not put the proposal on a national referendum?

Let the majority decide.

As Prayut said in February 2016, "everyone should accept what the majority decides as all are living in a democratic society."

It's just not a 100% democracy as Prayut pointed out in November 2014.