IN A step forward towards the realisation of the 1-trillion-baht Land Bridge project, a public hearing was held in Chumphon for the construction of Chumphon-Ranong railway line connecting the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, Naewna newspaper said today (May 23).
The main goal of this rail development is to upgrade logistics infrastructure to support the future Land Bridge megascheme.
This first hearing on the new railway line, chaired by Chumphon Deputy Governor Lt. Col. Kittisak Roddon and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) representatives, was held Uaychai Grand Hotel with participants including representatives from diverse sectors, such as local leaders and residents along the proposed route, government agencies and educational institutions, private sector businesses and chambers of commerce, environmental conservation groups, and the media.
The aim was to gather suggestions on the study and detailed design of the standard gauge (1.435 metre) railway line connecting the existing network in Chumphon to Laem Riw port construction area, then cut through the terrain to terminate at Laem Ao Ang port in Ranong . Furthermore, it includes developing a link between the existing Chumphon station and Ranong deep-sea port to create a seamless cross-sea freight route.
The meeting involved explanations of technical information. The discussion focused on the railway structure, the study area scope, and the assessment of the most suitable route alternatives to minimise impact on communities and ecosystems. All information and opinions gathered at this forum will be used as crucial data for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
The public and stakeholders unanimously emphasised their commitment to closely monitoring progress, including details on compensation and infrastructure design, to ensure that this major national economic development proceeds alongside the sustainable growth of the local communities.
CAPTION:
Scenes from the Chumphon-Ranong railway line public hearing yesterday, May 22, 2026. Photos – Naewna
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