Bangkok: The subcommittee evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the Land Bridge project is set to convene this Friday to scrutinize assumptions relating to commerce, transportation, and operations, alongside considering the necessity of supporting legislation. The Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revealed that the government remains open to public consultation and that the project still demands rigorous study before any decision to proceed.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Danucha Pichayanant, Secretary-General of the NESDC, shared insights into the progress of the Land Bridge Project Committee's forthcoming meeting. Building upon last week's discussions, the Sub-committee on Cost-Effectiveness Assessment is slated to continuously evaluate the project's viability. Researchers have been tasked with updating data and assumptions to ensure they remain current, which will be reviewed in this Friday's meeting.
The updated information will be crucial in assessing the feasibility of providing transportation services across the project, with experts and executives from major shipping lines contributing to the deliberation process. The subcommittee's evaluation focuses on three primary areas: commercial viability, the potential to attract shipping lines, and the operational logistics of transporting goods.
Mr. Danucha outlined that the commercial aspect considers the feasibility of product quantity and service demand assumptions, both pivotal for the project's success. The second focus is on the project's attractiveness to shipping lines, especially in accommodating transshipment cargo amidst existing regional ports. Lastly, the operational aspect evaluates the cost, time, and management assumptions for transporting goods.
In light of public scrutiny regarding the project's connection to the draft EEC Act, Mr. Danucha noted that the subcommittee would concurrently assess legal aspects. This includes evaluating the necessity of current legislation or considering alternative approaches such as gradual development with public input. The draft law will be part of this assessment during deliberations.
Despite the draft law from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) potentially not being implemented, Mr. Danucha suggested that this might simplify the process, avoiding the need for new legislation if existing laws can be adapted. However, community consultation remains crucial for acceptable industrial development that promotes economic growth.
Mr. Danucha confirmed that legal issues and development guidelines would be included in the report to be submitted to the Prime Minister in August. He emphasized that while the study's conclusion could recommend proceeding with the project, its large scale necessitates careful consideration of its suitability and cost-effectiveness.
Ultimately, Mr. Danucha stressed the importance of determining whether the Land Bridge project is appropriate and worthwhile. The committee's role as an additional review mechanism is to ensure that informed decisions are made based on comprehensive input from academia, the private sector, and the public.