Transport minister pushes land bridge amid Hormuz crisis

11 Sept 01:09 Key points summarised by AI

**Strategic Imperative**: Thailand's Transport Minister advocates for the "land bridge" project, citing the Hormuz crisis as impetus to establish an alternative logistics link between the Indian and Pacific oceans, bypassing the Strait of Malacca.
**Mega Project Details**: The one-trillion-baht initiative involves constructing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, connected by 90 km of new railway, motorway, and pipelines, with a Cabinet proposal expected by July.
**Addressing Concerns & Funding**: Officials counter criticism regarding increased costs by explaining ships' multi-port calls, emphasizing the project's goal to shorten routes by four days and cut costs by 15%, with foreign investors bearing the bulk of the investment.
**Economic & Geopolitical Impact**: Prime Minister Anutin supports the project, highlighting its potential to boost Thailand's economic growth and reduce reliance on sea lanes controlled by other nations.

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.