Govt's ambitious land bridge project 'puts residents at risk'

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for the suspension of the government's ambitious Ranong-Chumphon land bridge project pending broader public hearings.

- POST REPORTERS

The NHRC cited economic impracticality, risks of human rights violations and inadequate public participation.

The commission recommended that the project be put on hold until comprehensive and inclusive consultations are carried out with affected communities.

Wasan Phailikli, an NHRC commissioner, said the commission has received complaints from local farmer networks in Lang Suan district of Chumphon, the Rak Patho conservation group and several residents.

He said the petitioners alleged that the project — intended to connect shipping routes between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea —was being advanced without providing the public with clear and sufficient information, resulting in confusion and fears over land expropriation, industrial zones and possible construction of power plants and dams.

The NHRCsaid it has reviewed information from all parties involved in the project, including the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and the Department of Highways (DoH).