Thailand’s $28B Land Bridge connects the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, boosting trade, jobs, and regional influence while facing environmental and geopolitical challenges.
Thailand is moving forward with a transformative infrastructure initiative: the Thailand Land Bridge, valued at nearly 1 trillion Thai baht (approximately $28 billion USD). The project aims to connect the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand via an overland corridor, providing a modern alternative to the congested Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most strategic maritime chokepoints.
While the idea mirrors centuries-old proposals for a canal across the Kra Isthmus, the current plan focuses on a land-based solution that balances economic growth, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical considerations. Preparatory work under the new administration indicates significant potential, but the project faces substantial hurdles.
Must Read: Thailand’s $28 Billion Kra Canal: A Bold Vision to Bypass the Strait of Malacca
Thailand Land Bridge: A Long History of Ambition
Proposals to shorten maritime routes across southern Thailand date back more than three centuries. In 1677, King Narai of Ayutthaya engaged French engineers to survey a canal from Songkhla to present-day Myanmar, but technological limitations halted progress. By the 19th century, British interests explored the region, yet an 1897 treaty with Siam prohibited construction to protect Singapore’s port supremacy. Post-World War II treaties reinforced these restrictions.
Modern revivals in the 2010s estimated a canal spanning 102 kilometers, 400 meters wide and 25 meters deep, with costs of $20–28 billion and construction timelines up to ten years. A 2015 memorandum with Chinese firms explored feasibility, though no binding agreement was made. By 2018, concerns over cost, environmental impact, and southern separatist tensions led to a shift toward a land bridge alternative.
The Thailand Land Bridge Project: Design, Cost, and Timeline
The Thailand Land Bridge envisions an 87–90 kilometer overland link between deep-sea ports in Ranong (Andaman Sea) and Chumphon (Gulf of Thailand). It includes dual-track railways, intercity motorways, and pipelines for cargo, especially crude oil from the Middle East. The ports are projected to handle 19.4 million TEUs for Ranong and 13.8 million TEUs for Chumphon, rivaling hubs like Hong Kong.
Total costs are estimated at 997 billion baht ($28 billion USD), funded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a 50-year operational concession. Tender preparations will take 5–6 months, bidding opens in 2026, and construction is expected the same year. The first phase may complete by 2030, with full operations potentially by 2039. Environmental and health assessments are scheduled for 2025, alongside the enabling legislation for the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC).
Must Read: Strait of Malacca: The World’s Busiest Trade Artery Driving $3.5 Trillion in Global Commerce
Thailand Land Bridge: Economic Promises
Proponents forecast a 1.5% GDP boost and creation of up to 280,000 jobs by 2039. By bypassing the Malacca Strait, shipping times from China to South Asia could be reduced by four days, cutting transport costs by 15%. The corridor aims to improve connectivity with ASEAN, South Asia, and the Bay of Bengal under the 2022 BIMSTEC Master Plan.
High-value sectors like palm oil, fisheries, and halal foods are expected to flourish, supported by foreign ownership exemptions and 99-year concessions. An oil pipeline could generate 18 million baht ($520,000 USD) daily, while regions like Ranong may see revitalization as trade gateways.
Thailand Land Bridge: Challenges and Criticisms
Environmental concerns remain pressing. Construction could threaten mangroves, endangered species, and marine ecosystems, while ports in Ao Ang Bay may disrupt fishing grounds and cause pollution. Socially, over 5,000 stateless individuals dependent on artisanal fishing could be displaced, along with durian orchards critical to local economies. Protests erupted in Ranong, Chumphon, and Bangkok in 2024 over transparency and ecological safeguards.
Financial viability also raises questions. Investor skepticism persists, with no major shipping firm commitments, and cargo transfer delays or added costs may offset savings. A 300 billion baht ($9 billion) infrastructure fund was announced in September 2024 to attract private investment.
Thailand Land Bridge: Geopolitical Implications
The Thailand Land Bridge places the country at a strategic crossroads. China sees it as a solution to its “Malacca Dilemma” and a potential integration point for the Belt and Road Initiative, though selective investments temper expectations. India is cautiously interested to counterbalance China, while the U.S. and allies may view the project as expanding Beijing’s influence. Singapore and Malaysia fear traffic diversion from major ports, prompting Thailand to seek investments from Saudi Arabia, Dubai Port World, and other Gulf states.
Must Read: Kra Canal vs Land Bridge: Thailand’s $28B Mega Projects Explained
Thailand Land Bridge: Current Status and Outlook
As of October 2025, the Thailand Land Bridge remains in the planning stage. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed it as a top priority. Feasibility studies are summarized, the SEC Act draft has been approved, and tender documents are under preparation. Construction has yet to begin, but momentum is building under the interim government.
The Thailand Land Bridge represents a pragmatic evolution of the Kra Canal vision, offering the potential to transform Thailand into Southeast Asia’s logistics powerhouse. Its success depends on balancing environmental safeguards, securing diverse funding, and navigating complex geopolitical tensions.