Bangkok: Senator Naraset recommends the government postpone the land bridge project, arguing that four months is insufficient for a comprehensive study and community involvement.
According to Thai News Agency, Senator Naraset Prachayakar, a member of the Senate and chairman of the Senate Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Rights, Liberties, and Consumer Protection, highlighted ongoing issues with the project during a press conference. After visiting Ranong and Surat Thani provinces, he reported widespread concerns about the Land Bridge project and the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) law, which could significantly impact the environment, local economy, and community lifestyles in areas like Chumphon Province.
The senator pointed out several issues with the study process, including a lack of transparency and inadequate public participation. Most villagers were not fully informed, and public hearings were limited, often excluding those directly affected. Additionally, the study failed to cover economic, social, and ecological aspects comprehensively, and it did not consider tectonic fault lines, raising concerns about the rushed timeline of 120 days for the report.
Environmental impacts are particularly concerning, as the proposed port area overlaps with a potential World Heritage site. The construction would require significant land reclamation, posing risks of coastal erosion and damaging local natural beauty. Furthermore, the project’s demands for resources like rock and water could harm local communities and ecosystems, with the Royal Irrigation Department planning to build multiple dams, potentially leading to competition for water resources.
The SEC law’s potential overreach, favoring capitalists over local interests, also raises alarms. The proposed road construction through a vital agricultural area could damage water resources, impacting crops and public health. Tourism and traditional lifestyles face threats from industrial pollution and environmental degradation.
Senator Naraset emphasized the need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and comprehensive public hearings before proceeding. He urged the government to consider sustainable development approaches that align with local ways of life. He stressed the importance of public participation, particularly for vulnerable groups, to ensure development is legitimate and sustainable.
He called on the government to listen to local communities, consider grassroots economies and traditional lifestyles, and ensure that large-scale projects are pursued with public consensus and long-term planning. He suggested making the project a campaign policy for the next election to gain legitimacy through a popular vote.
As the government faces a four-month deadline to dissolve Parliament, Senator Naraset advised delaying the project to allow for thorough study and consensus-building. He expressed concerns that the current timeframe is insufficient for completing the necessary assessments and reports, advocating for a more extended approach if the project is to proceed in the future.