#Thailand has begun the feasibility studies on linking its Gulf with the Andaman Sea and this link could create a shorter sea route compared to travelling via the Straits of Malacca #SoutheastAsia #Asean #ESG #Sustainability #AI #ML #Automation

Thailand has appointed consultants to study the feasibility and business model to develop southern economic corridor which would facilitate the linking of the transportation routes between Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

The project will reduce the delivery time of goods between Thailand and the countries that are situated along the Indian Ocean by about two days.

Once the project is completed, it would emplace Thailand as the region’s water transport hub, by opening up new ocean routes. With this, Thailand hopes to promote economic growth, improve the Thai’s quality of life and maybe even create new industrial opportunities.

This is in line with their 20 years plan (2018 – 2047), which would focus on improving the efficiency of their transportation system thereby reducing logistic costs and and increase the country’s business competitiveness.

The country envisions a Smart Port transportation system that would effectively link the new Ranong Pier and Chumphon Port. The management system would be fully powered by automation and allows for seamless integration with motorways, rail lines and other forms of transportation system. The current estimates has it that the project would cost about USD 3 Billion to build.