Bangkok: Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, a prominent Member of Parliament and leader of the People's Party, has voiced concerns over the proposed "Land Bridge" project, urging the government to prioritize investment in the Southern Bioeconomy Corridor (SBRC) instead. He highlighted the need for sustainable development in the South, questioning whether the Land Bridge would truly benefit the local communities or merely concentrate economic power among a select few capital groups.
According to Thai News Agency, during a House of Representatives meeting chaired by Speaker Sophon Saram, an urgent motion was considered to establish a special committee to study issues related to the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC), which aims to connect the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Nattapong emphasized that the discussion should focus on sustainable development strategies for the South, urging the government to address the root causes of regional problems rather than just pushing for GDP growth.
Nattapong pointed out that many southern MPs have expressed skepticism about the project's implementation, questioning whether the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has truly listened to the local communities. Concerns were raised about the environmental impact and the equitable distribution of economic benefits. He urged the Prime Minister to heed the voices of his party members and reconsider the project's direction.
The opposition leader criticized the government's apparent inaction and the insistence on pushing the project forward without public input. He stressed that the Southern provinces should not be seen merely as transit points for global trade but as the homeland of all Thai people. Nattapong called for addressing the challenges faced by farmers and fishermen, highlighting issues such as land ownership rights, access to resources, and economic disparities within the region.
Nattapong proposed the SBRC as a viable alternative, leveraging the South's cultural and biodiversity strengths for economic growth. He advocated for investment in infrastructure that would improve quality of life, including access to potable water, renewable energy, and job creation. The proposed SBRC aims to enhance land security, promote sustainable agriculture, and develop creative and ecotourism economies.
He suggested that a 500 billion baht investment over six years could significantly boost GDP, increase agricultural product value, and reduce farmer debt. Nattapong called for further study and the establishment of a parliamentary committee to explore these development approaches, emphasizing the need for inclusive and strategic growth in the South.
Nattapong concluded by urging the government to view the people of the South as stakeholders in development projects, advocating for the establishment of a special committee to study the matter further.