A proposed waterway stretching 102km (63 miles) is dubbed Asia's answer to theSuez Canal. The Thai Canal project, otherwise known as the Kra Canal, aims to connect the Gulf ofThailandto the Andaman Sea, bypassing the congested Strait of Malacca.
The canal would cut shipping routes by 1,200km, saving up to six days in transit time for cargo andoilheading to EastAsia. The direct route from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific would cut through the Kra Isthmus in South Thailand. While supporters say the project would create a maritime Silk Road, it has faced decades of delays with estimated costs hitting a whopping $28 billion (£20.7 billion). There are also environmental and security concerns surrounding the project.
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The ambitious project dates as far back as 1677 when Thai King Narai first considered a waterway to link Songkhla and what is now Myanmar. There have been a number of varied proposals made in modern times, including Ferdinand de Lesseps, the engineer behind the Suez Canal, showing interest in the project in the late 19th century.
The most prominent proposal in recent years came in 2015 when a 102km canal that is 400 meters wide and 25 meters deep was suggested. Despite economic and strategic benefits, including reducing oil shipment distances to Japan and China, the project has faced a number of stumbling blocks.
As well as issues around the huge cost of the waterway, several countries have raised concerns about its environmental impact. Meanwhile, others say the canal poses a security risk as it will separate the four southernmost provinces from the rest of Thailand.
Despite saying the canal was not a priority the government in 2018, initiated a committee to re-examine the project at the start of 2020. Proposals are still ongoing to build the canal which would transform trade across the region.
The Strait of Malacca, located between Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, is considered one of the busiest and most vital shipping lanes in the world. It acts as the primary route between Asia and Europe with over 300 vessels passing through every day.
The Thai Canal would provide an alternative to the strait, cutting days off shipping times in the region. It would also help ease congestion and boost maritime trade for Thailand.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
