Kra Isthmus: The Logic Behind Thailand's "Canal and Land Bridge Struggle"

Kra Isthmus: The Logic Behind Thailand's "Canal and Land Bridge Struggle"After China launched a canal project in Cambodia, Thailand also jumped at the chance to build a "canal and land bridge" in the Kra Isthmus, hoping to change its own destiny and enhance its international status. What is the logic behind this "canal and land bridge struggle"?However, the feasibility of the Kra Canal has been questioned

Kra Isthmus: The Logic Behind Thailand's "Canal and Land Bridge Struggle"

After China launched a canal project in Cambodia, Thailand also jumped at the chance to build a "canal and land bridge" in the Kra Isthmus, hoping to change its own destiny and enhance its international status. What is the logic behind this "canal and land bridge struggle"?

Canal Dreams Arise: Thailand's New Move

The Kra Isthmus, with a narrowest point of only 56 kilometers, has given Thailand the idea of digging a canal due to its natural geographical conditions. The planned Kra Canal would be 112 kilometers long, 400 meters wide, and 25 meters deep, allowing large ships to pass through and bypass the busy Strait of Malacca, shortening the voyage by 1200 kilometers and saving one or two days of sailing time.

However, the feasibility of the Kra Canal has been questioned. Compared to the Suez Canal, the Kra Canal does not save a significant amount of distance or time, while the construction of mountain locks requires huge investment, and high tolls would discourage ships from choosing it, while low tolls would lead to losses.

A Land Bridge Emerges: Changing Strategy to Continue

After the canal plan stalled, Thailand did not give up. They proposed building a land bridge across the Kra Isthmus. This plan includes building two deep-water ports in Chumphon and Ranong in the south, and constructing a 90-kilometer road and railway connecting the two. This project is estimated to cost over 200 billion yuan and will be open for global bidding.

The Thai government believes that the Kra Isthmus land bridge will be particularly important to China. China transports a large amount of oil and goods through the Strait of Malacca each year, and if the strait were to be blocked, it would have a major impact on the Chinese economy. Therefore, the Thai Prime Minister strongly invited China to participate in this cooperation at the Belt and Road Forum.

Canal VS Land Bridge: Which Is More Reliable?

However, the feasibility of the Kra Isthmus land bridge also faces many challenges. First, cargo transportation requires unloading containers, loading them onto trucks, and then loading them onto ships again on the other side, which is not only cumbersome but also time-consuming, and may also increase costs. Second, the project will inevitably affect Singapore's interests and lead to strong opposition. Moreover, the political situation in southern Thailand is unstable, and ethnic and religious conflicts are acute, creating significant safety risks during the project construction.

Underlying Considerations: Thailand's Ambition and China's Wisdom

Thailand's active promotion of the "canal and land bridge" project reflects its strategic consideration of changing its own destiny and enhancing its international status. However, the international political and economic landscape is complex, and it is not easy for Thailand to achieve its goals easily.

China needs to maintain calmness and rationality and carefully consider Thailand's "enthusiasm." Under the Belt and Road Initiative, China pursues win-win cooperation and diversified cooperation channels, rather than being tied to a single strait or land bridge.

How Should China Respond?

China should actively enhance its own strength, especially its military strength, to ensure maritime transportation safety and reduce its dependence on a single route. At the same time, China should explore diversified energy transportation and trade routes to reduce its dependence on the Strait of Malacca.

Conclusion

The "canal and land bridge struggle" in the Kra Isthmus reflects Thailand's efforts to change its own destiny, and also reflects the need for China to maintain rational judgment and seek mutually beneficial cooperation models in international cooperation. China should actively enhance its own strength, expand diversified cooperation channels, and achieve its own development goals.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])