Parliament,, “Suradej” discusses the Senate meeting, points out 4 success factors, the Land Bridge project may not actually happen, advises the “Prime Minister” to listen to opinions from all sides – opposition voices – voices of support.
Today’s Senate meeting (January 23) has Mr. Supachai Somcharoen, 2nd Vice President of the Senate, chairing the meeting. Mr. Suradej Jirathicharoen, Senator, discussed with the Senate meeting to make a request to the government. To consider and carry out transportation infrastructure development projects. To develop the Southern Economic Corridor or Land Bridge To connect transportation between the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman With care and listening to opinions from all sides. including government agencies, the National Economic and Social Development Council, investors, academics
Mr. Suradet said that his opinion came from considering the information received from the Ministry of Transport. In the issue of success factors for the Land Bridge project, 4 areas are: 1. Sho
rter time period. He saw that even though Thailand’s geography has a shorter distance compared to the Malacca Strait of 1,000 kilometers, it can shorten the navigation time to only 2-3 days, but Thailand cannot sail directly through it. Because the Thai Canal was not dug, therefore, it must be used to transport goods. From a large ship of 2-30,000 teu, which will take 3 days to unload containers, then 1 day must be transported by car and train from Rayong Port to Chumphon. Then when it arrives at the port, the goods must be unloaded onto the ship for another 3 days, which totals 7 days. So, is the Ministry of Transport’s statement that it will be placed on the ship true or not? Because it takes up to 5 more days.
Mr. Suradet said 2. Expenses: When loading and unloading goods from ships to other transportation, a total of 6 times, additional expenses of approximately ten thousand baht must be added. I don’t know if it really saves money or not. 3. There is an industry behind the port. or continuous industry B
y the Land Bridge Commissioner of the House of Representatives Study and determine if the project will be successful. When there is an industry behind the port or SEC, the strengths of the area that lead to success must be considered. When compared to the special economic zone projects that have been implemented in 10 cities, no success has been found. While the EEC project with petrochemical projects But until today it has not been as successful as it should have been. And 4. Investors, from the Cabinet’s resolution to do road shows abroad, in the past Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, have traveled 4 times. country, he would like to call on the Prime Minister Clarify whether there are any investors or countries interested or not. Because according to the information of the Ministry of Transport Set conditions for 100% private investment.
‘Principles of large-scale projects have benefits and disadvantages. This operation is intended to replace the congestion at the Malacca Strait.
which is a cargo shipping competition with Singapore and Malaysia. But as for the success factors according to the Ministry of Transport’s information in those 4 issues, he would like to question whether they were really successful or not. Therefore, you should listen to information from all sides. Even after construction is completed, it must continue. not desolate Because you won’t be able to compete. According to the Ministry of Transport, the Malacca Strait is narrow. But it was found to be more than 100 kilometers wide, while Singapore still has improvements to accommodate increased navigation,’ Mr. Suradet said.
Mr. Suradet said that Mr. Settha led the Cabinet (Cabinet) to a meeting off-site and yesterday (22 Jan.) went to the area and inspected the construction area in Ranong Province, which is a large-scale project. big To support a 20 million teu cargo ship, there will always be opponents and people who support it, so the Prime Minister must listen to information from all sides. Both those affected
and those who support them.
Source: Thai News Agency