The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government to reevaluate the Land Bridge initiative, citing significant environmental risks and insufficient public involvement.
During a statement yesterday, Sayamol Kaiyoorawong, a commissioner from NHRC, revealed that recommendations have been forwarded to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the logistics project that aims to connect the Andaman Sea with the Gulf of Thailand.
On May 5, the cabinet recognized NHRC’s advice and assigned the Transport Ministry the responsibility of reviewing the proposal alongside several agencies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
The NHRC referenced a prior study conducted by NESDC, which concluded that the Land Bridge would only accommodate 18% of cargoes associated with the Southern Economic Corridor. This limited logistical capacity indicates that developing ports and airports in the region would be adequate.
Moreover, the NHRC’s report suggested that the project would not significantly decrease shipping times relative to current routes through the Malacca Strait. Additionally, logistics expenses would remain higher than those incurred at Singapore port, thus diminishing competitiveness. The associated costs for shippers are projected to be excessively high.
The NHRC expressed concerns about the project’s components, which include deep-sea ports, dual-track railways, motorways, and industrial estates, warning that they would have detrimental effects on coral reefs, seagrass areas, and protected marine ecosystems.
On land, the construction of railways and motorways traversing forests, mangroves, wetlands, and watershed regions would harm biodiversity, degrade carbon sinks, and impact water resources, including surface and groundwater quality and levels, with a risk of groundwater contamination.
Fishing communities would be especially vulnerable to these changes. In Chumphon, around 110,000 tonnes of seafood, valued at nearly 4 billion baht, could be at risk. Additionally, indigenous Moken communities in Ranong might lose access to traditional fishing grounds and their livelihoods.
Furthermore, the NHRC pointed out that public hearings have been conducted separately for each component of the project, rather than as a comprehensive review. This lack of clarity and detail hampers effective public participation.
Ms. Sayamol emphasized the importance of public involvement, stating, “The NHRC suggests the cabinet instruct the NESDC to hold public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon provinces. This is essential to uphold the right of communities to determine their own future, including economic, social, and cultural development.”
Source: Bangkok Post
