The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has prompted Thailand to move forward with a longstanding infrastructure proposal aimed at linking the Indian and Pacific oceans. On Monday, the government stepped up efforts to attract Singapore as a potential investor, positioning the Land Bridge as a strategic response to recent disruptions in global shipping routes. Authorities said the renewed push for the Land Bridge follows instability affecting key maritime chokepoints, including the nearby Malacca Strait, highlighting vulnerabilities in existing trade corridors.
Thailand’s administration confirmed it is reviving the Land Bridge project across its southern peninsula, an initiative that had previously lost momentum amid political turbulence. While earlier efforts included drafting legislation, progress stalled due to incomplete public hearings, pending environmental and health impact assessments, and resistance from local communities. According to Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, a formal proposal is expected to reach the cabinet in June or July. The government is preparing to open discussions with investors for the estimated 1 trillion baht ($30.97 billion) project, with outreach potentially beginning in the third quarter.
The Land Bridge, a concept that has been discussed for decades, centers on the creation of two deep-sea ports, one in Ranong on the Andaman Sea and another in Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand. These ports would be connected by 90 km of road and rail infrastructure, alongside energy systems such as pipelines. The integrated network is designed to enable cargo transfer across the peninsula, offering a land-based alternative to traditional maritime routes. By bypassing congested sea lanes, the Land Bridge aims to enhance logistical efficiency while addressing bottlenecks in regional trade.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul discussed the Land Bridge during a meeting with Chan Chun Sing, underscoring its strategic importance. The Malacca Strait, a 900-km (550-mile) passage bordered by Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, remains one of the busiest shipping routes globally, with more than 100,000 mostly commercial vessels passing through it last year. Recent comments by Indonesia’s finance minister about the possibility of imposing tolls on ships in the strait generated attention before being clarified. In comparison, the Land Bridge is widely seen as a more viable alternative to the long-discussed Kra Canal, which has faced persistent environmental, financial, and security concerns.
