Can Thailand's push for the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in the south shake Malacca?Since the formulation of the master development plan in 1985, the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in southern Thailand has become the dream of many times.
The objective of the project is to increase the ease of cargo handling, reduce sailing distances, create commercial and industrial centres, and increase employment. However, achieving this goal requires a large investment budget and an environmental impact assessment.
In 1993, Japan began to provide financial support for a feasibility study, which laid the foundation for the advancement of the land bridge project in Thailand. Subsequently, Prayut incorporated it into the national development strategic plan, indicating the importance that Prayut attaches to the project.
Saita** announced that it will continue to move forward with the project and allow 100% private sector investment.
Investors from China Harbour and Saudi Arabia have also participated in the construction of the project.
The first phase of the project is expected to commence in 2030. The project is strategically located between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, where a deep-sea port will be built, as well as highways and a double-track railway.
Through this project, Thailand will reduce transportation time and distance, effectively saving transportation costs. At the same time, Thailand will also solve the problem of congestion in the Strait of Malacca.
The advancement of the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in southern Thailand will bring huge benefits to Thailand. First, seaports support the growing number of cargo ships, bringing great economic value and jobs.
Secondly, Thailand will become a shipping point for goods between the European Union, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam and China, further enhancing the country's status and influence.
Most importantly, this project will shorten the international shipping time to two and a half days, greatly facilitating international ** exchanges.
The Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in southern Thailand is an international bidding model, with a total investment value of up to 1 trillion baht, and is divided into four phases. The private sector will invest 100 per cent, while ** grants land concessions.
As one of the largest infrastructure construction companies in China, China Harbor was invited by the Prime Minister of Thailand to participate in the investment of the project and set up a regional office. China Harbour has participated in a number of investment projects in Thailand, and its participation in the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in southern Thailand will play a positive role in promoting it.
However, the project also faced some challenges and observations. For example, the Chumphon-Ranong land bridge project in southern Thailand requires huge investment and detailed environmental impact assessments.