Land Bridge threatens island gem

Located 17 miles off the Andaman Sea beach, Koh Phayam, covering a 35km² place, is the next largest island in Ranong state.

The island draws visitors looking for peaceful entertainment amid picturesque nature and the lovely lifestyle of islanders who also earn their living by fishing for fish. The island is blessed with undisturbed forests and unspoiled beaches.

Koh Phayam has been praised in recent years as a type of responsible tourism and financial development that has also preserved its normal resources.

According to nearby authorities, the region’s tourism greatly contributes to Ranong’s market.

” Koh Phayam’s tourism industry can generate up to one billion ringgit annually,” according to the industry. That is a major part considering the state’s overall annual profit of three billion baht”, Chaiyut Anusiri, acting permanent director of the Koh Phayam operational company, said.

The area maintains its appeal as a sustainable tourism destination while remaining compliant with stringent protection regulations thanks to cooperation between the public and private businesses.

Then COMES THE Risk

The administration’s proposed Land Bridge initiative, which aims to boost communication between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman coast and herald prosperity for the region, has created concerns among the people and conservationists, who fear the development may damage the island’s economic harmony.

The mega-sized job may create a 100-kilometer freeway and road network between Chumphon and Ranong, and connect the Pacific and Indian oceans through the construction of deep-sea slots in Chumphon and Ranong.

Koh Phayam is close to ideas for the proposed 5, 600 ray Ranong deep-sea port at Laem Ao Ang on the Andaman beach.

The program also includes three piers, totalling 4km much, and some 7, 000 ray of ocean reclamation.

The port is likely to affect Ratchakrut sub- district, Koh Phayam sub- district, Muang district, Muang Kluang sub- district and Kapoe district, including six communities, two regional parks, two marine and maritime protected areas, regional designated forest, and marine reserves.

Additionally, a 109-kilometer landbridge and hole may be constructed between Chumphon and Ao Ang Pier in Ranong.

Srettha Thavisin, the prime minister, sees the job as a centerpiece of his efforts to boost the business. Regardless, citizens have aired their concerns, saying nearby communities may be affected if the venture progresses, and probably find it hard to succeed.

In December last year, they met the prime minister, urging the government to thoroughly consider public mind, especially the locals.

The prime minister has previously attempted to sell the project to foreign investors through roadshows, but the practicality study’s completion or clarity was their main message. They believe the job will harm the region’s tranquillity, degrade the atmosphere and destroy the market.

LOCAL LIVELIHOODS ARE AT RISK

Citizens in Ranong’s Koh Phayam are concerned about area confiscation and the impact on the environment as the Land Bridge project’s plans for Chumphon progress.

Questions about payment and property rights were raised because several ethnic groups and ocean gypsies live in some areas of Koh Phayam, the majority of whom have no official property title deeds.

The group claimed that the government’s support and interviews were essential for addressing these concerns.

Despite the administration’s efforts to engage partners through open hearings, state authorities and local tourism technicians were sharply divided at the cellular cabinet meeting in Ranong in January.

Some supporters were concerned about problems to the local culture and traditional ways of life, while others hoped for financial gain. The focus of the worry was Koh Phayam.

Visitors also voiced their opposition to the Land Bridge during the smart meet. They said the project could infringe on coastal regions and land, affecting fish communities, tourism providers, and farmers.

Parinya Sakulthong, community leader of Koh Phayam thread- district, foresees increased hospitality opportunities from the task. He is also mindful about the possible effects it might have on the environment, despite this.

He brought up the problem of soil erosion and how it can harm the aquatic ecosystem.

Koh Phayam’s economical crutch, he says, hinges mostly on tourism. However, the island needs earnings from agriculture and fishing to help ensure its year-round prosperity when the peak tourist season comes to an end, especially during the monsoon season. Thus the need for sustainable and complete creation, he said.

THE FUTURE IS Obscure

Public hearings held by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning in Ranong and Chumphon in August of last year, according to Pradit Rungroj, president of the Koh Phayam Administrative Organization, did not seem to address the concerns raised by different organizations, civil society organizations, and visitors.

Some even voice concerns about the shipping users ‘ administrative and cost-effectiveness issues.

Economics experts said at the hearing that the significant funding needed for the project may outweigh the possible advantages, particularly for shipping companies navigating between Ranong state in the Andaman Sea and Chumphon state on the Gulf of Thailand part.

The thought of investing in new ships or updating existing ones raises financial concerns, which raise doubts about the program’s validity.

The government claims it is open to suggestions from all parties despite the growing number of discussions surrounding the Land Bridge job.

Residents and climate advocates of Koh Phayam are opposed to initiatives that threaten the region’s natural elegance and tranquility. The fate of the island hangs in the balance.

The state has a difficult task in striking a gentle balance between economic development and environmental protection in the face of growing opposition.