Bangkok: The National Human Rights Commission has expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet for approving the establishment of a committee to examine the impact of the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project. The commission highlighted that the negative consequences of the project outweigh potential benefits and emphasized the necessity for inclusive public hearings to gather feedback from all relevant stakeholders.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Syamamol Kaiyurawong, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, disclosed that the Commission had conducted an investigation into complaints concerning the Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge project, a major transportation infrastructure initiative intended to enhance the Southern Economic Corridor by linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The investigation report revealed the project's adverse effects on the environment and local livelihoods and its deficiency in public involvement. Recommendations regarding the Land Bridge project were sent to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on February 26, 2026. The Cabinet acknowledged these recommendations on May 5, 2026, and tasked the Ministry of Transport, alongside other relevant ministries and agencies, to assess the feasibility and appropriateness of the recommendations.
The National Human Rights Commission reiterated findings from its investigation, noting that the National Economic and Social Development Council had previously examined the feasibility of connecting Thailand's maritime transport routes. Their study concluded that the land bridge project would support only a small fraction of goods transported via the Southern Economic Corridor, and alternatives like developing tourist ports or airports might suffice. Furthermore, the project was unlikely to result in significant time savings for goods transit and would incur higher shipping costs, making it less competitive compared to existing shipping routes through Singapore. Additionally, the anticipated revenue from container handling services would not cover the costs, rendering the project economically unviable.
The project, encompassing a port, double-track railway, intercity expressway, and industrial estates, poses significant threats to natural resources and the environment. Port activities could lead to sedimentation, affecting coral reefs and seagrass beds, crucial for juvenile marine life, and potentially impact the Andaman Sea conservation area's nomination as a World Heritage Site. The construction of transport infrastructure through protected and ecologically significant areas could result in deforestation, agricultural land encroachment, and other environmental disruptions.
The Land Bridge project also threatens local fisheries, with numerous fishing communities in Chumphon and Ranong provinces facing potential impacts on their livelihoods. Traditional fishing methods and local aquatic habitats are at risk, affecting not only fishermen but also the Moken sea nomads. The agricultural sector and ecotourism, key income sources for local residents, could also face challenges due to changes in water sources and land use.
Public consultations for the project have been criticized for their limited scope and lack of comprehensive public engagement. The National Human Rights Commission argued that the consultations did not allow meaningful public participation, violating constitutional and international human rights standards.
The Commission has urged the government to conduct public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon provinces to ensure that local communities can influence the development plan, aligning with the area's potential as identified in earlier feasibility studies. The government is encouraged to weigh economic benefits against environmental and community impacts, ensuring all affected groups are included in decision-making processes.
The National Human Rights Commission expressed appreciation for the Cabinet's acknowledgment of their recommendations and the Prime Minister's order to form a committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, to further study the project. This step is seen as vital to ensuring the project's prudent implementation, considering all potential impacts and aligning with current needs and conditions.