Transport Ministry mulls revival of Pak Bara and Songkhla deep-sea port projects

13 Sept 12:11 Key points summarised by AI

The Transport Ministry is considering reviving the Pak Bara and Songkhla deep-sea port projects, which were previously shelved due to strong local and environmental protests.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has tasked the Marine Department to re-engage local communities to convince them of the projects' benefits for their localities and the country.
While feasibility studies exist, additional environmental impact assessments may be necessary to address opposition and garner public support.
The 12-billion baht Pak Bara project's design and feasibility were completed in 2017 but faced significant resistance, halting public hearings.
A proposed land bridge linking Songkhla and Pak Bara deep-sea ports with Penang, Malaysia, aims to reduce travel distance and costs for cargo between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, bypassing the Malacca Straits.

Flooding persists in Bangkok and 22 provinces

Yesterday 16:00 Key points summarised by AI

Persistent flooding continues across Bangkok and 22 Thai provinces, though water levels are gradually receding in many affected areas.
Over 604,000 families, impacting approximately 1.83 million people, are still grappling with the widespread flood conditions.
The national flood death toll has reached 80 since mid-September, with fatalities reported across various provinces.
Major regions like Pathum Thani, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok report significant numbers of affected households, with hundreds of thousands still in trouble.