Bangkok: Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has announced his decision to cancel the scheduled site visit to the land bridge project on May 8th. The decision was made as he awaits the completion of a comprehensive study on the project's value and impact.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister has delegated the responsibility of overseeing the study to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Pipat stated that he would refrain from participating in the site visit due to the ongoing study, which is expected to take 90 days. He emphasized that visiting the site before the study's completion might lead to premature conclusions, hence the postponement.
Pipat highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive reassessment of the land bridge project, which will include evaluating environmental impacts and potential benefits for Thailand. The project envisions not only a rail system but also roads and energy pipelines. Pipat expressed confidence that the study would conclude within the designated timeframe.
Addressing public opposition, Pipat emphasized the importance of communicating both the benefits and drawbacks of the project, particularly to residents in Chumphon and Ranong provinces. He acknowledged the rights of groups planning to protest at the Government House but stressed the importance of clearly articulating the national benefits of the project.
When questioned about his confidence in the project's advantages outweighing its drawbacks, Pipat remained cautious, emphasizing the need to await the study's results. He also clarified that the land bridge project has been a policy of the Bhumjaithai Party since 2019, highlighted during election campaigns, and has since been incorporated into the Ministry of Transport's guiding principles for implementation.