Songkhla:Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, leader of the Prachachart Party, has urged the government to amend urban planning and wildlife sanctuary laws to facilitate the development of the Thepha Port mini-land bridge in southern Thailand. During a visit to the TEPA Transit Terminal in Songkhla province, Tawee discussed strategies for economic development in the region, emphasizing the need to remove legal barriers to enhance local infrastructure.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anumat Ahmad, a former senator and local representative, highlighted the success of employing over 90 percent of the local workforce at the terminal, which has significantly boosted community income. He pointed out that urban planning and wildlife sanctuary laws are major obstacles hindering the expansion of a distribution center intended to connect the Penang port with the border checkpoint.
Mr. Anumat explained that the project aims to address logistical inefficiencies in the South, particularly in Songkhla, by developing a coastal port using private investment without relying on government funds. Despite initial misunderstandings among locals, the project has passed an Environmental Impact Assessment, with no objections from nearby residents.
The development has created employment opportunities for local residents, with nearly 200 workers, 97-98 percent of whom are from the surrounding areas. This initiative has not only provided jobs but also helped combat issues like youth unemployment and drug addiction, while circulating millions of baht in the local economy each month.
Anumat underscored the need for legal amendments to allow broader development beyond the port area, which could benefit the surrounding communities. He also noted the port's role in reducing logistics costs, which has lowered construction material prices and could eventually make consumer goods cheaper.
The port also plays a significant role in boosting agricultural commodity prices, with European ships buying wood products for export. Anumat emphasized the importance of connecting logistics routes with Penang Port in Malaysia to further enhance the local economy.
Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong affirmed the port's potential to solve economic issues in the southern border provinces by creating jobs and reducing transportation costs. He noted recent discussions with the Chinese Consul and local businesspeople, concluding that Thepha Port is a viable solution to the region's economic challenges.