The earth bridge project is being evaluated

The government is conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for an earth bridge megaproject in southern Thailand as it considers a massive new push for the future of the Thai economy, the Industry Ministry said.

A report that suggests ways to mitigate negative impacts from the development is required if authorities want to move forward with the project.

The aim of the project, which has been under discussion for 40 years, is to develop a logistics network connecting Ranong on the Andaman Sea to Chumphon on the Gulf of Thailand. Authorities want to create an earth bridge as a new trade route for ships as an alternative to the existing route from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the Strait of Malacca.

According to the Industrial Park of Thailand (IPT), about 85,000 ships pass through the strait each year and that number is expected to rise to 128,000 in ten years. The proposed land bridge regularly raises concerns among local communities because of the impact on their lifestyles and the environment, but it could offer residents higher wages.

"The government will promote investment and development of skilled labor and support small and medium enterprises in this region," said Industry Minister Pimphattra Vichaikul, who visited Chumphon on Friday to meet with local industry representatives and entrepreneurs.

The ministry plans to help the government develop the earth bridge project by attracting investment and changing regulations to facilitate the establishment of new businesses, she said. "The Earth Bridge will play a key role in developing the Thai economy in the long term," Ms.

The Southern Economic Corridor covers Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces and is expected to link with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which covers Chonburi, Chachoengsao and Rayong provinces. The latter is being transformed into a high-tech industrial center that houses 12 targeted industries of the S-curve.

The investment cost of the earth bridge project is estimated at 1 trillion baht, including the construction of new deep-sea ports and a highway and railway system.

"IPT is ready to support the earth bridge project, but the government should first step up plans to hold presentations abroad to introduce the project to potential investors," said Veeris Ammarapala, IPT governor.

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