Thailand has revived plans for a $30 billion “Land Bridge” project aimed at creating a coast-to-coast logistics corridor that could offer an alternative route to the heavily used Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
The proposed infrastructure scheme, backed by the Thai government, envisions connecting deep-sea ports on the country’s western Andaman coast in Ranong with eastern Gulf of Thailand ports in Chumphon through a 90-kilometre overland transport system. The project would include railways, highways, and integrated logistics facilities designed to move cargo efficiently between the two coasts.
Officials say the corridor could reduce shipping times by up to two weeks for cargo moving between East Asia and the Indian Ocean region, while potentially lowering logistics costs by nearly 30 per cent. The plan is also intended to reduce reliance on the congested Strait of Malacca, through which a significant portion of global trade currently passes.
At the core of the project is a standard-gauge railway capable of handling up to 20 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually, alongside supporting infrastructure linked to Thailand’s national transport network. Authorities believe the corridor could capture a share of trans-shipment cargo currently handled by regional hubs such as Singapore.
However, the ambitious plan faces major challenges, including high construction costs, uncertain investor interest, and concerns from local communities along the proposed route. Some residents fear large-scale disruption to fishing, farming, and local livelihoods.
Environmental assessments are also under review after discrepancies were found in studies on marine biodiversity near the planned port sites, prompting regulators to demand a fresh evaluation.
Experts say that while the project may strengthen Thailand’s strategic logistics position, it is unlikely to fully replace the role of the Strait of Malacca, though it could serve as a complementary regional trade route if successfully implemented.
The government is expected to review findings from an appointed panel before making further decisions on the project’s future direction.