Thailand's Land Bridge Project Secures Approval for Strategic Logistics Corridor
Government agency approves deep-sea port and transport link connecting Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, with public bidding due in 2026.
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) has approved the flagship Land Bridge infrastructure project, aimed at linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea.
The project comprises two deep-sea ports—at Laem Riew in Chumphon and Laem Ao Ang in Ranong—connected by an eighty-nine-kilometre transport network featuring a six-lane motorway and dual rail lines (standard and meter gauge).
Both ports will incorporate “smart port” technologies alongside environmentally oriented “green port” designs.
OTP’s feasibility analysis puts the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR), based solely on ports and connecting infrastructure, at approximately seventeen point three-eight per cent, indicating substantial economic return.
The project is slated to proceed under a public-private partnership model, with both domestic and foreign investors allowed majority ownership.
A request for proposals is scheduled to be issued in 2026.
The Land Bridge is part of broader Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) legislation, currently underway, which also covers environmental impact assessments and preparatory work for investor selection and land acquisition.
Construction is projected to begin in the latter part of 2026 and proceed in phases.
Public hearings have been conducted across southern provinces, though lawmakers and environmental groups have called for further review of environmental and health impact assessments, citing concerns around local livelihoods, ecological integrity, and adequacy of consultation.
The project comprises two deep-sea ports—at Laem Riew in Chumphon and Laem Ao Ang in Ranong—connected by an eighty-nine-kilometre transport network featuring a six-lane motorway and dual rail lines (standard and meter gauge).
Both ports will incorporate “smart port” technologies alongside environmentally oriented “green port” designs.
OTP’s feasibility analysis puts the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR), based solely on ports and connecting infrastructure, at approximately seventeen point three-eight per cent, indicating substantial economic return.
The project is slated to proceed under a public-private partnership model, with both domestic and foreign investors allowed majority ownership.
A request for proposals is scheduled to be issued in 2026.
The Land Bridge is part of broader Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) legislation, currently underway, which also covers environmental impact assessments and preparatory work for investor selection and land acquisition.
Construction is projected to begin in the latter part of 2026 and proceed in phases.
Public hearings have been conducted across southern provinces, though lawmakers and environmental groups have called for further review of environmental and health impact assessments, citing concerns around local livelihoods, ecological integrity, and adequacy of consultation.
