Questions remain over viability of multi-billion-dollar land bridge project

23 Sept 05:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's multi-billion-dollar land bridge project proposes a 90km transport route, including a motorway, railway, pipelines, and two deep-sea ports, connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea at an estimated cost of US$28 billion.
The government, led by PM Srettha Thavisin, promotes the project to cut shipping times by four days, reduce operational costs, and ease congestion in the Strait of Malacca, aiming to establish Thailand as a new international trade gateway.
A critical study by Chulalongkorn University, sponsored by the NESDB, ranked the land bridge project third among alternatives, concluding it's 'not worth investing in' for international transshipment and suggesting a significantly smaller, domestically-focused version.
Maritime industry experts, academics, and NGOs express serious doubts regarding the project's economic viability, potential environmental damage, and impact on local communities, challenging the government's optimistic assumptions and the credibility of its feasibility studies.

Nationwide crackdown launched on illegal nominee shareholders and land holdings

Yesterday 15:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul initiated a nationwide crackdown on illegal Thai nominee shareholders in foreign-run businesses and land holdings to safeguard national interests.
The government will integrate efforts across all relevant agencies to target illicit foreign operations, forced sales of illegally acquired property, and high-risk land ownership schemes.
Key strategies include auditing suspect land and building holdings, establishing a long-term monitoring system, and cross-referencing data from various authorities to trace ultimate beneficial owners.
Prime Minister Anutin emphasized that no influential figures or corrupt officials are above the law, promising straightforward prosecution, asset seizures, and protection for enforcing officers.
Beyond land ownership, the integrated crackdown will also extend to tackle transnational crimes, including drug and human trafficking.