Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s statement to Parliament, scheduled for September 12-13, is expected to focus on three main initiatives.
Key takeaways
- Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will give a speech to the Parliament focusing on three new initiatives.
- The three main initiatives the politician aims to develop are the Entertainment Complex Project, the Land Bridge Project, and the Gulf of Thailand ‘Pearl Necklace’ Project.
- The main objectives of the 3 projects will be to create economic stimulus and develop infrastructure to attract private sector investments.
These initiatives aim to create economic stimulus and develop infrastructure to attract private sector investments. The three initiatives expected to be covered in the policy speech are:
Entertainment Complex Project
Suksit Srichomkwan, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, announced that the government is promoting comprehensive legislation for a large-scale entertainment complex, similar to Singapore’s model. Casinos will occupy only 10% of the total area, while the rest will be dedicated to concert halls, luxury hotels, and shopping malls.
The estimated investment is between 300 and 500 billion baht. In Bangkok, there will be at least three locations, each requiring a minimum investment of 100 billion baht. Additionally, four tourist provinces outside Bangkok will receive investments of approximately 50 billion baht per location.
Land Bridge Project
Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport presented the new government’s plan to build deep seaports in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman coasts. This project aims to improve the efficiency of goods transportation and travel, thus attracting foreign investors.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) will be completed in the first quarter of 2026, with investor selection in the second quarter. A Royal Decree for land expropriation will be issued, and the project proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in the second quarter of 2026. Construction of the first phase will begin in the third quarter, with the project expected to be operational by the end of 2030.
Panya Chupanich, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), indicated that the total investment will be 1 trillion baht. A single contract will be auctioned, granting the private sector management rights over the Chumphon and Ranong deep seaports, as well as the motorways and railways. Private companies can form joint ventures to manage specific sections of the project.
Gulf of Thailand ‘Pearl Necklace’ Project
This flood protection project for Bangkok and its surroundings aims to counter the growing risk of flooding due to the rise in global sea level caused by global warming. It is essential because the melting of polar ice caps could cause the Gulf of Thailand to reach provinces like Lopburi and Saraburi, causing flooding in various areas, according to Plodprasop Suraswadi, former Deputy Prime Minister.
The proposal includes constructing nine artificial islands along 100 kilometers of coastline to combat sea level rise. Each island, covering 50 km² and situated 1 km offshore, will have protective walls with gates. The first island will be located on the Bang Khun Thian coast, extending to Chonburi. The investment, led by the private sector with a 99-year concession, will take more than 20 years and will be the largest in Thailand’s history.
