Thai PM pushes ahead with $31.5B land bridge to boost growth

Following the transition from Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government to Anutin's administration, which is set to last four months, a policy roadmap has already been drafted. The government is expected to present its policy statement to parliament later this month.

The goal of the Land Bridge is to position Thailand as a regional and global transport and trade hub, linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea through two deep-sea ports connected by supporting infrastructure, including double-track rail, intercity motorways, and pipelines, offering an alternative route to the Strait of Malacca.

The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea on Google Maps.

Under the plan, a single private company will be awarded exclusive rights to construct and manage the entire project under one contract. Bidding is scheduled to open in 2026, with the first phase expected to come into operation by 2030.

Preparatory studies and the drafting of terms of reference for the tender process are set to begin this year to ensure the project proceeds without delay.