Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has announced a pause in his planned visit to Chumphon and Ranong provinces, pending the results of a feasibility study on the proposed land bridge project. The study, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, will assess the project's viability, including its environmental impact and benefits to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Pipat emphasized the importance of engaging with local communities in Chumphon and Ranong during the study. He reassured residents that their livelihoods would be protected, and stated that the completion of the study is expected within the 90-day timeframe set by the Prime Minister. The project involves not only a rail system but also energy pipelines, highlighting its multifaceted nature.
In a related development, the Ministry of Finance plans to propose a draft emergency decree at today's cabinet meeting. This decree would authorize the borrowing of 400 billion baht to mitigate the economic impact of unrest in the Middle East. The funds are intended to support the "Thai Help Thai" projects, which aim to reduce the cost of living and facilitate the energy transition over a four-month period.
The emergency decree would enable the implementation of the "Thai Help Thai Plus" project, including the "Half-Half Plus" initiative. This initiative is expected to benefit over 20 million people, providing welfare card top-ups to approximately 13.4 million individuals. Each person would receive a total of 4,000 baht, distributed at a monthly rate of 1,000 baht starting June 1st. This component alone is projected to require over 100 billion baht.
Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is seeking approval for a draft outcome document for the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit, scheduled to be held in the Philippines from May 7-9. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has submitted recommendations on the Land Bridge project, and the Prime Minister's Secretariat has proposed appointing advisors to serve as Thailand's trade representatives.