Korn Thanks Government for Shelving Land Bridge, Proposes Southern Connect
Korn Jatikavanij thanks the government for shelving the land bridge project, urging authorities to carefully vet major investments and introducing the 'Southern Connect' alternative.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Korn thanks the government and committee for shelving the land bridge project
- Advises careful consideration of data and reasons before pushing mega-projects
- Praises parliamentary checks and balances and the government's openness
- Proposes the 'Southern Connect' alternative covering three infrastructure pillars
Following ongoing debates regarding major development initiatives in southern Thailand, Korn—who submitted an urgent motion in the House of Representatives to review the matter—has expressed his appreciation to the committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekaniti, noting simply that the plan has been shelved.
Korn emphasized this decision as a crucial lesson in politics and public administration. He addressed both the current administration and past governments that previously pushed for the initiative, stating they should thoroughly deliberate projects using data and sound reasoning before proposing them, whether they are worth trillions or hundreds of billions of baht.
"Let this be a lesson for this government, as well as past governments that pushed for this matter, that they should carefully deliberate with data and reason before proposing any project, whether it is on a trillion-baht scale or a hundred-billion-baht scale."
Korn
Furthermore, Korn commended all parties involved in this decision, stating he is glad that parliamentary mechanisms played a role in checking and balancing the government's concepts and proposals, while praising the administration for being broad-minded enough to listen and reconsider its stance.
The suspension of a national mega-project like the land bridge highlights the effectiveness of public pressure and legislative oversight. A government's willingness to listen to feedback and review its policies marks a positive step toward mitigating policy conflicts and exploring cost-effective alternatives with lower environmental impacts.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Despite shelving the land bridge project, Korn pointed out that developing southern Thailand remains a vital priority that cannot be overlooked. The Democrat Party has therefore introduced an alternative development plan called 'Southern Connect' designed to properly address regional needs, encompassing investments in three main infrastructure pillars:
- Motorway: Constructing a direct highway route from Narathiwat all the way to Bangkok
- Railway system: Developing an electrified double-track railway system connecting Thailand's rail network to Malaysia's railway system
- Marine infrastructure: Developing efficient deep-water ports on both sides of Thailand's coasts
In his concluding remarks, Korn affirmed that the Democrat Party is ready to support reasonable investment proposals that deliver maximum benefits to entrepreneurs and all citizens alike.
Source: Matichon Politics
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