Thailand ‘desperate’ for land bridge project to boost growth but could face roadblocks ahead

Thailand’s decision to press ahead with a land bridge project this week despite political and environmental concerns underscores an urgency by the Southeast Asian nation to propel economic growth and shore up the government’s popularity, according to observers.

Experts say the focus on the land bridge reflects the ruling Shinawatra family’s “penchant for grandiose infrastructure projects”, but the move also raises questions about the development’s long-term feasibility.

Thailand’s transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the land bridge megaproject would move forward as the government was currently drafting the Southern Economic Corridor bill, required for the plan to continue.

The 90km (56-mile) bridge is said to offer a Panama Canal-like short cut for Asian marine shipping by linking the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand, and is expected to cost at least US$28.6 billion.

Greg Raymond, a Southeast Asia expert at the Australian National University, said there were several constituencies that had pushed for the project, noting that the ruling Pheu Thai government was “desperate” to find ways to boost growth in the country.