Kra Canal

How countries exercising economic sovereignty impacts Singapore, the ‘little red dot’ 

Global economic developments such as the tariff war and the Kra land bridge are just some matters that could directly or indirectly affect Singapore. It is no longer just about economic sovereignty but also concerns political sovereignty, warns former Lianhe Zaobao editor Lim Jim Koon.

Lim Jim Koon

Bypassing Malacca? China, India and the UAE vie for Thailand’s land bridge

For all the focus on China and India in the strategic tussle over Thailand’s land bridge project, a quieter force may end up shaping the project’s trajectory: third countries with capital and neutrality, says academic Hao Nan.

Hao Nan

The Kra land bridge: Thailand's white elephant comes charging back

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has revitalised the idea of the Kra land bridge with gusto. Poor economic viability, environmental problems and geopolitical complications account for the project's tepid international reception.

Ian Storey

Land Bridge in place of Kra Canal: Game changer for Thailand's future engagement with region and China?

The idea of the Kra Canal, prevalent in the 18th and 19th centuries, resurfaced in the late 1990s as the Khlong Thai or "Thai Canal" idea. However, the high investment costs, massive and unpredictable adverse environmental impacts, and security implications have all weighed against its realisation. A mega project proposal that envisions building a "Land Bridge" between Chumphon Province on the Gulf of Thailand and an enlarged deep-sea port in Ranong Province on the Andaman Sea has now been touted, supported by the Prayut administration. Academic Termsak Chalermpalanupap examines the options.

Termsak Chalermpalanupap

India's obsession with Thailand's Kra Canal and China's 'failure'

News that Thailand has "cancelled" its Kra canal project and replaced it with a land bridge has excited Indian observers. But you cannot scrap a plan that has not been approved. India's media reports highlighting both Chinese aggression and Chinese failure say more about the country's tensions with China than its concern with the idea of a century-old canal in Thailand.

Ian Storey

Thailand's Kra canal project: Game changers and China's involvement

The Kra canal project has been proposed and put on hold many times over the past three centuries. The latest effort comes in conjunction with China's Belt and Road Initiative, and has drawn both support and scepticism from within and outside Thailand. ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute senior fellow Ian Storey examines three potential game changers for the project.

Ian Storey