BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand planned a trillion-baht land bridge mega-project to reshape global trade and reduce dependence on Middle East shipping routes.
Trillion-baht route to link two seas
Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn intended to present the plan to the Cabinet in June. The proposed route would directly connect ports on the Andaman Sea with ports on the Gulf of Thailand.
The project’s aim was to create a major shortcut between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Thailand hoped to benefit from uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz by routing ships safely through its own territory.
Private money to carry construction costs
Despite the staggering cost of one trillion baht, the minister stressed that taxpayers would not finance the construction. Private investors were expected to fund the project in exchange for land concessions.
Both Thai and foreign financiers would have the same opportunity to join the massive undertaking. The government positioned itself only as planner and enabler, not as a direct investor.
Critics fear delays from cargo transfers
Opponents of the project warned that transferring containers between ports could consume too much time. Pipat dismissed these concerns and pointed to established global logistics practices.
He noted that almost 90 percent of containers worldwide were already transshipped rather than carried directly from one port to another on a single vessel. According to the minister, whether this happened in Singapore or Thailand would make little difference to shipping companies.
Construction could begin before end of 2026
Official feasibility studies had already been completed, and a site inspection was scheduled for May. If the Cabinet gave its approval in the summer, the first groundbreaking could take place before the end of 2026.
However, the project still had to pass strict environmental and health impact assessments, as local residents expressed resistance. Authorities planned talks with communities to address fears about potential destruction of nature.
Thailand targets Singapore’s transit role
With the land bridge, Thailand directly targeted Singapore’s business model and sought to attract more transit traffic. The plan envisioned opening tenders in the third quarter of 2026.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul backed the strategy and viewed global instability as an historic opportunity for Thailand. The country aimed to become one of the most important hubs in worldwide freight transport.
“Do you believe this gigantic construction project will irreversibly destroy Thailand’s nature?”
said Khaosod English, posing the question to its readers.
“Write us your thoughts in the comments.”
said Khaosod English, inviting public debate on the plan.