The Thai Land Bridge is a proposed rail and road transport corridor in Southern Thailand connecting the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand. This has been touted as an alternative to the Thai Canal, which would cut a canal across Southern Thailand as a short cut to the Strait of Malacca.
Deep sea ports would be built at either end of the “bridge”, where containers would be unloaded, transported across the peninsula, and continue on another ship.
A land alternative to a canal was proposed in the 1990s. That route was from Pak Bara in Satun on the Andaman side, to Songkhla on the Gulf of Thailand side, via Hat Yai. The most recent route preference is from Ranong to Chumphon.
The Ranong to Chumphon route might be incorporated into a planned Ranong to Chumphon railway, but so far these two projects appear to be separate.
The Thai Land Bridge proposal is not to be confused with the Thai Bridge proposal, which is a sea bridge across the Bay of Bangkok.
This page is a fact sheet that is tracking news about the project. I have also written an editorial about why the Thai Land Bridge is a bad idea.
News Archive
2025
Thailand’s trillion-baht plan to bypass the Malacca Strait moves ahead – [24/03/25]
“Thailand aims to complete a 100km project bisecting the country’s southern peninsula with a new highway and rail line by 2030.”
Govt ‘still pursuing’ Land Bridge project – [24/03/25]
“Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirms that the Land Bridge megaproject connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea is still being pursued, with China and Middle Eastern countries showing an interest.”
Thailand drafts law to speed up $29 billion transport link – [22/03/25]
“Thailand unveiled draft legislation to create a special economic zone in the south of the country that would pave the way for a multibillion-dollar transport project linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans.”
Public hearings begin in first step towards the land bridge – [22/03/25]
Bill drafted to support southern Land Bridge – [22/03/25]
“Southern Economic Zone body would oversee trillion-baht megaproject.”
Citizen scientists put land bridge plan under microscope [03/03/25]
“As Thailand’s ambitious land bridge project advances, grassroots efforts from citizen scientists and local researchers emerge to ensure that biodiversity and ecosystems are not overlooked.”
The $29-billion shortcut: Thailand’s land bridge project fuels hopes and fears – [06/02/25]
“The Thai government is betting big on a land bridge to revolutionise trade routes and propel the economy forward. But in the fishing villages and durian orchards of the South, the question remains: at what cost?”
2024
Ambitious land bridge project set to take off next year, says Suriya – [15/12/24]
Rights body seeks Land Bridge changes – [26/09/24]
“PM urged to review all relevant studies and determine whether megaproject is really worth it.”
Locals want Southern Corridor, Land Bridge axed – [17/09/24]
“A group of southern residents has called on the government to revoke two Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bills and scrap the Land Bridge megaproject, saying they will severely impact their way of life.”
Thailand ‘desperate’ for land bridge project to boost growth but could face roadblocks ahead – [06/09/24]
“Analysts warn the project could become another white elephant, with funding, long-term viability and possible corruption among serious concerns.”
Govt drawing up bill to get southern Thailand’s Land Bridge going – [02/09/24]
“The southern Land Bridge megaproject will move forward as the government is currently drafting the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill, which is required for the project to continue, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Monday.”
Land bridge on track, Transport Ministry confirms – [02/09/24]
Thailand’s ‘land bridge’ ambitions face fresh roadblocks – [28/08/24]
“Environmental and political concerns cloud plan to build new trade artery.”
Will Thailand’s new PM seek Chinese funding for land bridge? Definitely, maybe – [25/08/24]
“With a new Thai leader in place, speculation is rife over whether she will ask for China’s aid in massive land bridge project.”
Southern Land Bridge to partially open in 6 years: minister – [01/07/24]
DP World CEO to meet Thai PM for talks on THB1-trn land bridge – [19/06/24]
Land Bridge threatens island gem – [10/06/24]
“Locals fear industrial push may negatively impact Koh Phayam’s natural attractions.”
Mega land bridge project not a pie in the sky, says Transport Ministry – [07/06/24]
“Ministry reckons bidding for the 1-trillion-baht project will kick off next year with more than 100 Thai and foreign companies showing interest.”
Concerns about acquisition of land for mega project raised – [31/05/24]
“Private companies interested in investing in the government’s land bridge project expressed concern over legal issues that could delay land delivery in the mega project that will serve as a link between the Pacific and Indian oceans in the South of Thailand.”
Investors from 3 nations eye Land Bridge – [31/05/24]
“Major companies from China, Japan and the Netherlands took part in a “market sounding” event on Thursday for Thailand’s 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge megaproject”.
Govt eyes Italian touch for Land Bridge feeder network – [25/05/24]
“Companies in Italy are interested in investing in Thailand’s Land Bridge megaproject which would, in turn, enhance the country’s rail network, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit yesterday said.”
Malaysia urges Thailand to revive Pan-Asia rail links instead of chasing land bridge dream – [25/05/24]
Residents of Chumphon and Ranong rally against land bridge project – [17/05/24]
Manaporn defends Land Bridge plan – [14/05/24]
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Study on Land Bridge estate expected soon – [28/04/24]
Thai ports bemoan competitive decline as Srettha pushes ‘land bridge’ – [22/03/24]
“Shipping industry questions potential demand for $28bn megaproject.”
A B1tn bridge to success – [25/02/24]
“Govt vows it will press ahead after House backs feasibility study.”
Thai Land Bridge bid straddles a delicate US-China line – [20/02/24]
“Proposed Thai megaproject aims to provide alternative shipping route to Malacca Strait but could undercut a key US strategic advantage over China.”
House backs Thailand Land Bridge – [17/02/24]
“The House of Representatives has endorsed the Land Bridge feasibility study with 269 votes in favour, despite concerns and objections from the opposition.”
Thailand’s pitching US$28 billion land bridge to the world, but foreign investors not ready to bite – [14/02/24]
“The absence of a full-scale feasibility study, a lack of transparency, and uncertainty over the project’s profitability are some key concerns, say experts.”
Thailand’s ‘Landbridge’ to nowhere? – [09/02/24]
“High-level feasibility studies done over the years have been pessimistic about the project. Yet despite this, and the lack of subsequent interest from the private sector, the idea refuses to go away.”
Foreign investors need more clarification on land bridge project – [04/02/24]
Beijing bank may finance megaproject – [04/02/24]
“The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is interested in financing Thailand’s Land Bridge megaproject, says Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.”
A land bridge too far? Thailand’s revived Kra megaproject a divisive issue among local residents – [30/01/24]
“The ambitious plan in Thailand’s southern region could see shipping trade bypass Singapore and Malaysia. While it’s been redesigned to keep the mainland intact, the project is threatening to split local communities apart.”
Lessons for Land Bridge advocates – [29/01/24]
“During the mobile cabinet meeting in Ranong last week, the Land Bridge project once again became a disputed topic as locals in the proposed area met Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and voiced concerns over the possible impact on their way of life and environmental damage.”
Land Bridge: A Project for No one – [26/01/24]
Thai minister releases 18 FAQs on southern land bridge project and its benefits – [23/01/24]
Land Bridge project to benefit all southerners, Srettha says – [23/01/24]
Land Bridge plan draws critics – [22/01/24]
“Project opponents to meet Srettha in Ranong.”
Thai govt may review land bridge project subject to study on costs and value – [19/01/24]
The Kra Land Bridge: Thailand’s white elephant comes charging back – [18/01/24]
“Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project’s tepid international reception.”
2023
Land bridge: a great opportunity for Thailand or another dream project? – [25/12/23]
Thailand drums up investment for strategic ‘landbridge’ – [20/12/23]
Thailand plans global tender for 1 trillion baht Landbridge project to help bypass Malacca Strait – [18/12/23]
Thailand’s ‘Landbridge’ will bring East and West closer together – [17/12/23]
“New link between Indian and Pacific oceans to provide economic boost.”
Thailand’s proposed 100 km land bridge poses little threat to Singapore, Malaysia ports: analysts – [04/12/23]
Thailand’s plan to ‘cut’ the Straits of Malacca – [27/11/23]
“Thailand’s plan to construct a port and a land bridge that would bypass the Straits of Malacca, is expected to have significant implications not only for Malaysia but also for Singapore and Indonesia.”
Thailand’s land bridge project will benefit Malaysia, says Anwar – [27/11/23]
“The US$28 billion project will see the construction of two Thai ports — Ranong in the west and Chumphon in the east — that will be connected by road or rail.”
Thailand wants to build a brand new shipping route. Why isn’t China buying? – [27/11/23]
“The Land Bridge project, a proposed route for shipping that could bypass the Malacca Strait, is being shopped by the Thai government as it seeks financing. If built, the bridge could reshape the economy of Southeast Asia – but China has not shown a willingness to put up the cash.”
Thai PM pitches trillion baht land bridge project as Straits of Melaka alternative – [15/11/23]
Local communities oppose govt’s land bridge project – [20/11/23]
Thailand pitches new investors in U.S. on old idea of Southeast Asia shipping route shortcut – [14/11/23]
Srettha pitches land bridge project in US – [14/11/23]
“PM, in San Francisco for Apec forum, stresses shorter shipping times and safety ”
Higher costs likely for shippers that use proposed Thai land bridge project: Chee Hong Tat – [08/11/23]
Is land bridge plan just a pipe dream? – [06/11/23]
“The cabinet has already given the green light to an estimated construction cost of at least 1 trillion baht. Where will the money come from? No worries. It will be under the public-private partnership format. The government will take care of land appropriation and a one-metre gauge train track to connect it with the existing southern rail line.”
Anti-land bridge banners emerge in Phato district of Chumphon province – [05/11/23]
A closer look at Thailand’s THB1trn Land Bridge for global trade – [03/11/23]
“The plan to build a “Land Bridge” from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea as a route for international trade was given the green light on October 16.”
Land bridge needs rethink – [25/10/23]
A bad Idea revisited: Thailand pitches Prayut’s ‘Land Bridge’ to Beijing – [23/10/23]
Srettha touts advantages of “land bridge” project for Chinese investors – [20/10/23]
Analysis: Thailand’s proposed land bridge project easier than Kra Canal idea, but steep challenges await – [20/10/23]
“The land bridge project is designed to provide a new trade route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, potentially bypassing the Malacca Straits, by linking two deep sea ports on Thailand’s eastern and western coasts via a rail and road system.”
China interested in Thai landbridge project – [18/10/23]
“Major infrastructure firm discusses planned Chumphon-Ranong link with PM in Beijing.”
Land bridge to be expedited – [17/10/23]
“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered acceleration of the southern land bridge connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea.”
Land bridge megaproject still on the burner – [25/09/23]
“Transport minister denies halting one-trillion-baht ‘connectivity’ project in the south.”
Land bridge project to attract investors – [22/09/23]
“The Transport Ministry plans to host roadshows in China, Europe and the United States to attract investors in a land bridge megaproject connecting Chumphon on the eastern coast along the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong along the Andaman Sea.”
Is the massive “land bridge” project worth the trillion baht investment? – [01/09/23]
PM Prayut Chan-o-cha pushes ambitious Land Bridge project in South to create trade hub in SE Asia – [13/06/23]
“This project is intended to further enhance the advantages of Thailand’s geographic location in Southeast Asia, which is conducive to transportation and trade.”
Iran urged to assist bridge project – [09/04/23]
“The Transport Ministry is seeking cooperation from Iran on cargo transport via a “land bridge” project in the southern region once it is completed.”
2022
Landbridge project linking Andaman coast and Gulf of Thailand moves forward – [26/04/22]
Six locations eyed for ‘Land Bridge’ – [21/03/22]
Thai ‘land bridge’ project caught in Sino-U.S. tug of war – [20/02/22]
2021
High hopes for ‘land bridge’ project – [28/11/21]
“The Transport Ministry said the proposed land bridge megaproject, which will connect Chumphon on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong on the Andaman Sea, will become a major transit port, with a capacity rivalling Hong Kong.”
Thailand pushes dream of ‘land bridge’ to boost economy – [05/09/21]
“Backers say it would cut shipping time by 2 days, but project faces backlash.”
Southern land bridge megaproject will make Thailand a logistics hub in ASEAN – [25/06/21]
Saksayam pushes for megaproject – [06/05/21]
“Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob has urged agencies to expedite the southern land bridge megaproject, which will connect the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.”
Thailand’s land bridge rail-and-port project “to be unveiled in June” – [22/03/21]
Thailand pushes “land bridge” for trade to supplant Strait of Malacca – [21/03/21]
“The Thai government is pushing ahead with a plan to build a “land bridge” of highways and rail lines linking two new deep sea ports, one on the Andaman Sea and one on the Gulf of Thailand. The project aims to make southern Thailand the main route for cargo and oil traveling from the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Pacific by offering a faster and cheaper alternative to shipping through the Strait of Malacca.”
Thailand surveys locations for land bridge linking Gulf of Thailand, Andaman Sea – [17/03/21]
“The Thai government is conducting surveys of possible locations in Chumphon and Ranong provinces in southern Thailand for a land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea”.
Govt mulls southern bridge spots – [16/03/21]
“The government is surveying locations along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea in Chumphon and Ranong for engineering, environmental and economic potential”.
Govt launches Bt4.47bn study for southern land bridge – [05/03/21]
“The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy has hired Index International Group (IND) to draft a study for a land bridge connecting the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea via the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). The project is designed to link up the SEC with the Eastern Economic Corridor.”
Land Bridge in place of Kra Canal: Game changer for Thailand’s future engagement with region and China? – [01/02/21]
“A mega project proposal that envisions building a “Land Bridge” between Chumphon Province on the Gulf of Thailand and an enlarged deep-sea port in Ranong Province on the Andaman Sea has now been touted, supported by the Prayut administration.”
2020
Govt floats new plan for land bridge – [12/10/20]
“The land bridge is part of the government’s plan to develop a Southern Economic Corridor covering Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat which will connect with the Eastern Economic Corridor in Chon Buri and Rayong.”
Will Thailand’s bid to bypass Strait of Malacca ever be built – and will China play a part? – [21/09/20]
Thailand mulls path linking Indian and Pacific Oceans – [14/09/20]
“To avoid dredging a canal, the government proposes an alternative pathway through its southern isthmus. It plans to build two automated seaports — one on the Indian Ocean side and another on the Pacific side — and link the ports with a 100-kilometer expressway and rail network to transport goods between them.”
Thailand eyes ‘land bridge’ to link its coasts – [11/09/20]
“Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha this week publicly endorsed a proposed land bridge between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, apparently shelving a long-discussed project to build a canal across the Malay Peninsula.”
A land bridge or the Kra Canal for Thailand? – [09/09/20]
“Why the land bridge idea will never work.”
PM dusts off South Land Bridge plan – [09/09/20]
“Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday ordered a new feasibility study into a proposal to build a land bridge between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, seen as a potential key part of a new major economic development plan in the South.”
Thailand looks to cut Malacca Strait shipping time by land link between Indian, Pacific Oceans – [31/08/20]
“Thailand is looking to construct a land passageway that would connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans, bypassing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.”
Thailand puts forward southern land bridge project to link two seas, promote rail transports – [27/01/20]
“The Rail Transport Department and the Marine Department have been assigned to jointly conduct a study and design on the southern land bridge project between Chumphorn province on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand and Ranong province on the southeastern shores of the Andaman Sea, Saksayam said.”
2017
Southern Land Bridge study sped up – [07/05/17]
“Aimed at facilitating the transport of cargo containers from Pak Bara deep sea port in Satun, on the Andaman shore, to Songkhla deep sea port, on the Gulf of Thailand shore, the project will connect Hat Yai train station in Songkhla to Pak Bara deep sea port in its first phase of implementation.”
2012
Southern landbridge resuscitated – [06/11/12]
“The landbridge idea has been circulating for more than 20 years. Former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan floated the idea in 1989. The National Economic and Social Development Board completed the project’s master plan in 1992.
The project was revived by the Thaksin Shinawatra government, but shelved after the devastating tsunami hit Thailand in 2004.”
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