싱가포르, 태국 육교 프로젝트 가능성 검토

Singapore is interested in Thailand's Land Bridge project as a potential economic opportunity, though discussions remain at an early stage, government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said.

Singapore is interested in Thailand's Land Bridge project as a potential economic opportunity, though discussions remain at an early stage, government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek said.

Her remarks followed a meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.

She said talks covered a broad range of issues, including defence cooperation and joint military exercises such as Cobra Gold, as well as potential collaboration in the aviation and maritime industries. Both sides also discussed energy security, agreeing on the need for greater regional resilience through the development of fossil and renewable energy.

On the Land Bridge project, Ms Rachada said Singapore had expressed interest but had not yet committed to any specific role. "They recognise the project's potential and the opportunities it could create for Thailand and the wider region if it proceeds," she said.

She rejected criticism from opposition politicians that the government was advancing the project without sufficient economic justification, insisting that any proposal submitted to the cabinet would be supported by comprehensive feasibility and environmental studies.

"There is no question of presenting a blank proposal," she said, adding that the project would rely primarily on private investment under a public–private partnership model.

The government has also pledged continued public engagement, acknowledging local concerns in southern provinces where the infrastructure would be built. Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will visit the southern region next month to gather feedback, though officials stressed that no formal public hearings have yet been held.

Supporters argue the project -- linking ports on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand -- could strengthen the country's position as a regional logistics hub and reduce reliance on congested maritime routes. Officials say Thailand already has strong refining capacity and could develop a "trading hub" model for marine fuel supply.

However, the initiative has faced mounting scrutiny. In parliament, Senator Norasate Prachyakorn announced plans to seek a review of the project, citing its estimated cost of around one trillion baht and potential environmental consequences. He questioned whether key environmental and health impact assessments (EHIA) had been adequately completed, warning that accelerated approval could undermine due process.

Marine scientist Thon Thamrongnawasawat highlighted significant discrepancies in data on seabed organisms in Ranong province, one of the proposed port sites. While official studies estimate roughly 1.5 billion organisms would be affected, independent research suggests the figure could exceed 50 billion -- raising questions about the scale of ecological damage and compensation required.

These concerns have prompted action from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, who said he would convene relevant agencies to review the contested EHIA findings. The move follows pressure from civil society and academic groups.