Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin offered his assurance to multiple groups opposing the land bridge mega project, saying that the feasibility study covers all aspects of the project, related industries and potential impacts on fisheries, the environment and the rights of the local people, among other areas.

The prime minister met with the project’s opponents after receiving a petition from them at Rajabhat Suan Sunantha University in Ranong province.

The opponents carried placards, accusing the government of distorting facts about an incomplete study of the project and infringing on the rights of the local people.

They made clear that they do not oppose the project per se, but would like the government to conduct a fair, complete and transparent study, because it the project is huge and is bound to have significant impacts on their livelihoods and the environment.

The prime minister also assured the project’s opponents that they will be able to participate in the decision-making process and that their opinions will be sought and considered.

At its meeting today, he said that the cabinet had approved 13 projects, worth about 50 million baht each, for the six Andaman provinces, namely Phuket, Phang-nga, Ranong, Satun, Krabi and Trang, plus five other projects, proposed by the private sector, worth a combined 202 million baht in those provinces.

Moreover, he said that the cabinet had agreed, in principle, to amend the Fisheries Act, to ease restrictions on Thai fisher folk.