Thai Initiative to Revitalize the Global Economy
Best Group Unveils Design for 'Thai Canal'

Best Group supports the government in accelerating the revitalization of the global economy by promoting the 'Thai Canal' project in the southern region, aiming to rejuvenate the Thai economy and position Thailand as a hub for global economic stimulation. Recently, they submitted the design results for a modern, comprehensive economic center to the subcommittee of Members of Parliament studying the Thai Canal, seeking the Prime Minister's approval to expedite the project. An MOU with over 30 funding sources is expected to be signed this October, with construction anticipated to begin next year.

Mr. Sitthipol Charoenchakrakul, Chairman of Best Group and advisor to the chairman of the subcommittee studying the 'Thai Canal', revealed that Members of Parliament recognize the importance and necessity of developing this project, prompting a renewed study and the establishment of a subcommittee to delve deeper into how the Thai Canal can benefit the nation and its citizens. It was found that the 9A route is the most suitable.

“In 2005, studies focused solely on creating a canal for ships to pass through. However, it is now seen that we should fully utilize the area to increase the project's value, allowing for continuous business development beyond just charging tolls for canal passage. This includes becoming a global trading city, with activities such as trading, warehousing, and various related industries, as well as large tourist boat docking points, hotels, restaurants, and recreational areas, similar to major cities worldwide. The route through Thailand spans 130-135 km, but it will require digging into the sea an additional 30-50 km on each side, creating a much shorter connection between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea compared to traveling to Singapore. This will serve as a shortcut and expressway, providing comprehensive and modern services to accommodate vessels of all sizes swiftly through the Thai Canal, aiming to be the best port in the world,” he stated.

Best Group has been invited by the chairman of the subcommittee to present their development ideas for the project, which they have already designed and submitted to the committee. The objective is to contribute to the development of Thailand, strengthening its economy and significantly reducing global energy consumption.

“Many countries have proposed various design ideas, but Best Group believes that the canal should also be aesthetically pleasing. It should not only allow ships to pass and collect tolls but should also be developed into a new economic city, a financial hub, and a city of the future along the entire canal. We aim to enhance the area with beautiful scenery, ports, and water activities, making the Thai Canal a point of benefit for Thailand, ASEAN, and the world,” he added.

The chairman of Best Group further stated that many countries would benefit from using the Thai Canal as a shortcut for transportation, but Thailand would reap substantial benefits in various forms. While the distance may not be significantly shorter, the safety and modern service offerings will attract large shipping lines from around the world. Additionally, the project will feature a space for showcasing the Thai royal family and the Grand Palace over an area of 28 square kilometers, with a new economic zone of up to 2,300 square kilometers, nearly 500 square kilometers for cargo handling and distribution, airport areas, and connections via high-speed rail and scenic tramways over 32 square kilometers, as well as residential areas and natural zones covering 2,200 square kilometers, with over 12 islands in the canal providing unique urban characteristics over 25 square kilometers, along with naval and air bases, and tourist attractions.

Furthermore, there will be land bridges connecting the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, as well as roads around the canal to support transportation with two main routes, bridges across the canal, tunnels, and connections to several islands. Various types of docking facilities will be available in the canal and along the coastline, with the canal being 1,000 meters wide and 32 meters deep, featuring intermittent open areas. Concrete walls will be constructed to prevent sedimentation that could shallow the canal, with the canal's entry and exit points being 10 km wide for safe navigation and to establish a modern special economic zone. Underground tunnels will be excavated for vehicle routes and connected by electric trains, along with shopping centers and various amenities in the area beneath the canal, seamlessly integrating the underground space with both sides of the canal.

The concept is to develop the Thai Canal in a way that benefits all Thai people, demonstrating its feasibility. Our goal is to create a modern, beautiful city in every aspect, addressing various concerns such as territorial division, investment value, benefits to Thai citizens, environmental impacts, and the need for water gates due to varying sea levels on both sides, along with land acquisition or environmental impacts. The design will address all these issues.

 

Under the canal, approximately 40 meters deep, plans are in place to develop a new underground city for commercial and residential purposes, featuring leading educational institutions and serving as a refuge in case of war. Importantly, if the Thai Canal is excavated today, it will immediately improve Thailand's economy sustainably. Workers in the Thai Canal economic zone will earn double the income compared to working in Bangkok, with over a million job opportunities available. Thai laborers worldwide will have the chance to return and develop their homeland. Those affected by land acquisition will have the opportunity to choose to work and live in designated areas first. During the 3-4 years of canal excavation, there will be training programs for workers to meet the target needs, ensuring immediate job availability under better welfare and income conditions than currently.

Even with the development of a new city, there will be new allocations, with complete water and electricity services designed to provide opportunities for those affected to choose to live in designated areas according to their needs. If they wish to pursue any profession, arrangements will be made, such as for fishermen, farmers, shipbuilders, housewives, etc. Additionally, businesses in the area affected will also have the option to operate in this field. We just need everyone to help do what is beneficial for the nation.

The total investment value of this project is estimated at over 4 trillion baht, and it is believed that Thai private investors can raise funds to ensure that the Thai Canal belongs to the Thai people. Although substantial budgets will be required for the design and construction to create a beautiful, secure canal that protects and enhances the environment, it will become a new tourist destination that people worldwide will want to visit.

Regarding the design details, the Andaman Sea side will not have any manufacturing industries, with activities designed to promote tourism year-round, while the Gulf of Thailand side is suitable for developing ports or commercial activities. The area around the canal's central island is designed as a modern economic zone combined with nature for environmental conservation, with roads constructed along both sides, approximately 10 km apart, to preserve the natural water sources that will arise, which will need to be analyzed and designed. This includes excavating ponds and large lakes for water storage or for aquaculture, as this will serve as a food source for many people involved in the project. Therefore, studies and designs must be prepared in advance.

“Recently, we presented the design results to Lt. Gen. Songkhlod Tiprat, chairman of the subcommittee studying the Thai Canal, for consideration to present to Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha for review by the Cabinet for approval and to expedite the project,” concluded the chairman of Best Group.