Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party, has unveiled the 'Southern Connect' as a counterproposal to the government's 'Land Bridge' project during a forum held in Hat Yai. He emphasized the project's multi-dimensional infrastructure, lower risk, and tangible benefits for southern Thailand's residents.
According to Thai News Agency, the seminar, themed "Clear Sky, Together We Recover the Economy, Build Security, and Improve Quality of Life," convened at the Burisriphu Hotel in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. It gathered notable party figures, including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Chuan Leekpai, Chaiwut Bannawat, Sathit Wongnongteuy, and other party executives and members. Discussions covered various topics, primarily focusing on the Land Bridge project and strategies to address Hat Yai City's flooding issues.
Abhisit highlighted the structural and objective distinctions between the government's Land Bridge initiative and the Democrat Party's "Southern Connect" proposal. He critiqued the Land Bridge project for its focus on serving shipping groups and foreign investors, pointing out the lack of cost-effectiveness and logistical challenges. Abhisit expressed skepticism about the project's benefits, noting that while the Suez and Panama Canals significantly reduce shipping times, the Thai counterpart offers only minimal time savings.
Abhisit also questioned the justification for sacrificing natural resources in southern Thailand for industrial and petrochemical zones. He raised concerns about the environmental impact of increased cargo ship traffic on Andaman coastal tourist destinations and the potential for maritime accidents. He argued that economic gains from the Land Bridge would likely be confined to the Ranong-Chumphon corridor.
Proposing an alternative, Abhisit suggested investing in infrastructure that directly improves southern residents' lives. He advocated for developing a dual-track railway system and an electric vehicle railway, linking with Malaysia and Singapore's rail networks. Abhisit also proposed cost-effective coastal port development, utilizing Malaysia's existing infrastructure on the Andaman coast.
The Democrat Party's "Southern Connect" envisions a comprehensive infrastructure network integrating land, road, and rail systems to connect both sides of the sea, potentially requiring less investment than the Land Bridge. This approach, Abhisit argued, aligns with existing demand and presents lower risks, facilitating the transportation of local products from southern Thailand to regional markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, Bangkok, and beyond.
In summary, Abhisit criticized the government's exclusive focus on the high-risk Land Bridge project, advocating instead for the "Southern Connect" as a more inclusive and beneficial strategy for southern Thailand's development.