Senator Noraset Pratchayakorn has questioned the government's accelerated push for the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) and Land Bridge megaproject, warning that it could primarily benefit large investors while creating irreversible environmental and social impacts.
During a Senate session chaired by Deputy Senate Speaker Kriangkrai Srirak, Sen Noraset raised concerns over the government's review and implementation of the SEC policy and the proposed Land Bridge project linking the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea through Chumphon and Ranong provinces.
Mr Noraset said some studies had failed all key indicators assessing economic worthiness. He pointed to conflicting findings between studies conducted by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning and Chulalongkorn University.
"Why is the government rushing ahead with this dream project using taxpayers' money?" he asked.
He also criticised the proposed SEC law, describing it as a "centralisation law" that would concentrate power and primarily serve investors' interests.
He argued that what attracted investors was not project returns, but special privileges under the SEC legislation, including land lease rights of up to 99 years covering agricultural reform land and state property land.
He further questioned whether the government had assessed the potential economic losses if Ranong were to lose opportunities related to world heritage recognition due to the project.
He warned that planned land reclamation for a port in Ranong -- an area locals describe as "the womb of the sea" -- could cause irreversible ecological damage.
"If the government truly believes this project is beneficial, why not hold a local referendum?" he asked.
Responding to the concerns, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat denied allegations that the government was rushing the project.
"The project is intended to create new economic opportunities, but we fully acknowledge that environmental impacts will follow," he said.
