Bangkok: Chinese investors have expressed confidence in Thailand and called for the resolution of the "Missing Link" issue and the integration of the land bridge project. Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul highlighted the infrastructure strengths of Thailand, emphasizing the need to resolve the "Missing Link" connecting Ranong and Chumphon, and integrate the land bridge project.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin Charnvirakul shared insights from discussions with Chinese investors, expressing confidence in Thailand's potential due to its robust infrastructure. He pointed out that the country's transportation and logistics systems play a crucial role in attracting investments, making Thailand an attractive production base.
The business sector has been urging the government to streamline procedures and eliminate redundancy, efforts which the government has consistently undertaken. Thailand stands out as a major industrial production base amid the current geopolitical climate. The government remains committed to transparency, with zero tolerance for bribery, kickbacks, or corruption, ensuring investor confidence is not undermined.
In the realm of tourism, the Prime Minister noted Thailand's rich natural resources. The "Sea, Sand, Sun" initiatives aim to bolster tourist safety and fairness, with measures to prevent exploitation and ensure safety standards are on par with developed countries. While the land bridge project remains a key policy direction, the immediate focus is on connecting unlinked land infrastructure, including rail systems, positioning Thailand as a central hub in ASEAN, capable of connecting by both land and sea.
When questioned about prioritizing western projects, the Prime Minister indicated an initial focus on upgrading the deep-sea port on the western coast in Ranong province. This upgrade aims to connect Ranong with Chumphon province and the broader land logistics system, facilitating connections with other nations. The Ministry of Transport is conducting a parallel study to evaluate the project's cost-effectiveness and investment timeline, ensuring maximum national benefit.