PUBLISHED: 14 Does 2024 at 06: 28
The administration’s plan to construct the one trillion-baht Land Bridge proposal has been defended by Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri on Monday, saying it has attracted a lot of foreign investors ‘ attention.
Samart Ratchapolsitte, a former Democrat president, just questioned the megaproject’s cost-effectiveness and doubted whether it would materialize despite the president’s show to attract investment. Ms Manaporn made the comment in response.
During Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit’s new attend to China, more than 30 businesses from different companies, including China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), and Chinese investors have sent members to Japan to check the project’s viability, she said.
According to Ms. Manaporn, these potential investors are expected to take a decision when the Southern Economic Corridor ( SEC ) law, which the Transport Ministry is developing, is finished.
Within the next four months of this year’s fiscal year, the government is expected to complete the SEC law’s draft, and it will deliver investment invitations in 2025.
One of the numerous big investment initiatives that the government is attempting to promote among foreigners is the Land Bridge project.
When completed, it will start up a new connection between the Pacific and Indian oceans, with strong- sea ports at both conclusion of the website, in Chumphon and Ranong, according to the plan.
Due to the scheme’s planned phases, critics are concerned about its economic costs, environmental effects, and completion date.
The second step is anticipated to start in 2026 and wrap up in 2030.
The Assistant Minister to the Transport Ministry, Kritchanon Aiyapanya, said on Monday that Mr. Samart’s queries regarding the Land Bridge proposal do not accurately reflect the current situation and could stifle misunderstandings between investors and the general public.
He claimed that the plan has been completely researched, with many different organizations confirming that the new course would help reduce travel times and costs, making it a practical alternative to the heavily congested Strait of Malacca.
Additionally, Mr. Kritchanon added that potential investors in China, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States have shown a lot of attention in the program.