Thai government launches Bt4.4bil study on Isthmus of Kra land bridge linking Gulf of Thailand to Andaman Sea
Feasibility studies for airports in the north-east Bueng Kan and Mukdahan provinces and the south’s Satun provinces
The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy has hired Index International Group (IND) to draft a study for a land bridge connecting the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea via the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC). The project is designed to link up the SEC with the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Launched on Tuesday (March 2), the Bt4.47-billion project study will run until September 1, 2023. The blueprint for the project will be finalised at the beginning of 2024, after which investment budgets and bidding will be set.
The project aims to expand the logistics network and connectivity with southern provinces. The Cabinet has approved a budget of Bt74.71 million for a study on how to improve capacity of businesses in the South.
Meanwhile, The Transport Ministry has agreed to consider funding the construction of airports in the Northeast and South to support domestic tourism, the Department of Airports (DOA) said.
DOA has conducted a feasibility study for an airport in the Northeast province of Bueng Kan and expects Bt3.5 billion to be allocated in 2022 for its construction.
If the plan is okayed by the Cabinet, the environmental impact assessment should be completed by next year, required land expropriated by 2023 and construction should be finished by 2026.
An airport in Bueng Kan is also being considered because more people are opting for air travel and there is no airport close to the province at present.
If this project goes ahead, the airport will cover approximately 20,000 square metres and be located about 15 kilometres from centre of Bueng Kan town.
DOA has also put in a request for Bt4.13 billion to build an airport in Satun province, which is being considered by the Transport Ministry.
DOA has conducted a feasibility study for an airport in the Northeast province of Bueng Kan and expects Bt3.5 billion to be allocated in 2022 for its construction.
If the plan is okayed by the Cabinet, the environmental impact assessment should be completed by next year, required land expropriated by 2023 and construction should be finished by 2026.
The ministry is also considering the proposal for a Bt4.54-billion airport in Mukdahan province. Preliminary studies conducted in 2018 confirmed a previous study by the Japan International Cooperation Organisation, which concluded that the best location would be in Muang district’s Kham Pa Lai area.
It is about 20km from the city centre and is more or less equidistant from the airports of Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon and Roi Et provinces. – The Nation Thailand/ANN
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/03/05/thai-govt-launches-bt44bil-study-on-isthmus-of-kra-land-bridge-in-the-south
