Axing Land Bridge 'the right move'

Dems tout alternative southern link PUBLISHED : 26 Jul 2026 at 06:21 Opponents to the land bridge project voice their stance at parliament in September 2023. Nutthawat Wichieanbut Opposition parties have welcomed the government's decision to abandon the Land Bridge megaproject in favour of a scaled-down "Missing Link" transport strategy, saying the new approach is more economically viable and better aligned with existing infrastructure.Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva praised the government for basing its decision on facts and sound analysis after a government-appointed study concluded that the Land Bridge project had low feasibility, high risks and could place a heavy burden on the national budget. The government announced last week that it would replace the Land Bridge proposal with a narrower "Missing Link" infrastructure plan after an official review found the original project carried significant financial risks and uncertain economic returns. It was also controversial with the public. "The government has made the right decision by relying on the evidence," Mr Abhisit said, adding that attention should now turn to improving the southern transport network through the Democrat Party's proposed Southern Connect initiative. The proposal calls for an integrated transport system linking railways, highways and ports to improve exports from the South and build strong connections with neighbouring countries and global markets. Mr Abhisit said expanding cross-peninsula rail links and prioritising transport projects would provide greater economic returns than the Land Bridge, while carrying lower financial risks and guaranteeing demand. He also urged the government to consider connecting ports on the Gulf of Thailand coast with Malaysia's Andaman coast, particularly between Songkhla and Penang, arguing the route would require less investment, generate higher freight volumes and have fewer environmental impacts because much of the supporting infrastructure already exists. Democrat deputy leader Chaichana Dejdecho said the budget originally earmarked for the Land Bridge should instead be invested in expanding the rail network and lift standards of links to key southern ports, including Padang Besar, Kantang and Ranong, to expand logistics and reduce transport costs. Meanwhile, Veerayut Kanchoochat, deputy leader of the opposition People's Party, said the PP had consistently opposed the project over concerns about its economic viability, environmental impacts and geopolitical risks. He also warned against reintroducing similar projects through other budget allocations. Mr Veerayut noted that during the Feb 8 election campaign, the PP proposed its own Southern Port Link strategy, focusing on upgrading the ports of Ranong and Songkhla, constructing a Chumphon-Ranong railway, expanding Andaman Sea export routes and improving logistics connections with Laem Chabang Port and China. Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva