Draft bill proposed for Southern Economic Zone development

The Ministry of Transport has introduced a draft bill to create a Southern Economic Zone. This plan aims to support the Land Bridge transport project, which will connect the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The proposed legislation will set up a commission to help develop the Southern Economic Corridor. This corridor includes the provinces of Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed hope that the new law could be in effect by September. The Land Bridge project is estimated to cost around 1 trillion baht, which is about $29 billion. It aims to link two seaports in Ranong and Chumphon with new highways and rail lines. This 100-kilometre link would significantly reduce shipping times by avoiding the busy Malacca Strait. The draft bill gives the new commission, led by the prime minister, the task of developing logistics and infrastructure in the designated areas. The commission will also seek funding for the project. Public hearings on the draft bill are set to take place before it goes to the cabinet and parliament. Former prime minister Srettha Thavisin had promoted the Land Bridge during his visits to the U.S. and China last year. He received interest from investors but little follow-up has occurred. The ministry plans to complete the project by 2030. Foreign investors could own over 50% of partnerships with local firms to build the necessary infrastructure. The deep sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon are expected to cost about 630 billion baht. However, the Land Bridge project may face challenges from environmentalists and some local communities. Protesters have raised concerns that the new SEC committee could grant investors special rights that allow them to bypass labor and environmental regulations.