Located 17 kilometers off the Andaman Sea coast, Koh Phayam spans an area of 35 square kilometers, making it the second largest island in Ranong province. Blessed with unspoiled forests and pristine beaches, this tropical haven attracts visitors seeking tranquility amidst lush nature and the charming lifestyle of islanders who still make a living by catching fish. In recent years, Koh Phayam has been celebrated as a model of sustainable tourism and economic growth, all while preserving its precious natural resources.
According to local authorities, tourism in Koh Phayam significantly contributes to Ranong’s economy. “Koh Phayam’s tourism sector alone can generate up to one billion baht a year, a substantial portion of the province’s overall annual revenue of three billion baht,” says Chaiyut Anusiri, acting permanent secretary of the Koh Phayam administrative organization. The island’s success is largely attributed to the cooperation between public and private sectors, ensuring that it remains a beacon of sustainable tourism without compromising on strict conservation measures.
Now Comes the Threat
However, the idyll of Koh Phayam faces a looming threat. The government’s proposed Land Bridge project aims to bolster connectivity between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman coast, promising economic prosperity for the region. Yet, this mega-project has sparked concerns among the public and conservationists who fear it will disrupt the island’s environmental harmony.
The ambitious project involves constructing deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, linked by a 100-kilometer expressway and rail network. Koh Phayam is perilously close to the plans for a proposed 5,600-rai Ranong deep-sea port at Laem Ao Ang on the Andaman seashore. This plan includes three breakwaters totaling 4 kilometers in length and some 7,000 rai of sea reclamation. The impact would ripple through Ratchakrut sub-district, Koh Phayam sub-district, Muang district, Muang Kluang sub-district, and Kapoe district, affecting six communities, two national parks, two marine and coastal protected areas, national reserved forests, and coral reserves. Additionally, a tunnel and landbridge spanning 109 kilometers from Ao Ang Pier in Ranong to Laem Riew Port in Chumphon would be built.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin touts the project as a flagship initiative to boost the economy. However, locals worry that if the project proceeds, their communities might suffer, making survival difficult. In December of last year, they met with the prime minister, urging the government to carefully consider public opinion, particularly from locals. They emphasized that the project’s feasibility study was neither complete nor clear, yet the prime minister was already presenting the plan to international investors. The local fear is that this grand scheme will shatter the island’s tranquility, degrade its environment, and disrupt its economy.
Local Livelihoods at Risk
As the plans for the Land Bridge project in Chumphon advance, the issues of land expropriation and environmental impact have ignited anxiety among Koh Phayam’s locals. Local authorities highlight that many areas of Koh Phayam are home to ethnic groups and sea gypsies, most of whom do not possess formal land title deeds. Questions regarding compensation and property rights have been raised. Government funding and public consultations are crucial in addressing these issues, according to the concerned groups.
During a mobile cabinet meeting in Ranong in January, government officials and local tourism operators were sharply divided on the Land Bridge development despite the government’s efforts to engage stakeholders through public hearings. Supporters anticipated economic benefits, while others worried about the adverse impacts on the local environment and traditional ways of life. Koh Phayam remains a focal point of these concerns. Locals even protested during the mobile meeting, fearing that the project could encroach on coastal areas and farmland, impacting fishing communities, tourism operators, and farmers.
Parinya Sakulthong, the village headman of Koh Phayam sub-district, acknowledges the potential increase in tourism opportunities from the project but is also cautious about the environmental repercussions. He pointed out issues like soil erosion and its adverse impact on the marine ecosystem. He emphasized that Koh Phayam’s economic lifeline largely depends on tourism. But when the tourism season peaks end, the island relies on agriculture and aquaculture for year-round prosperity, especially during the monsoon season. Hence, sustainable and comprehensive development is necessary, he said.
The Future Is Unclear
Pradit Rungroj, president of the Koh Phayam Administrative Organization, noted that public hearings held in Ranong and Chumphon last August by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning regarding the Land Bridge project did not alleviate concerns raised by various agencies, civil society groups, and locals. Some also expressed worries about the project’s cost-effectiveness and logistical challenges faced by shipping operators.
During the hearing, economics experts pointed out that the huge investment required for the project may outweigh the potential benefits, particularly for shipping operators navigating between Chumphon province on the Gulf of Thailand side and Ranong province on the Andaman Sea side. The prospect of investing in new vessels or retrofitting existing ships presents financial burdens, raising doubts about the project’s viability.
As discussions surrounding the Land Bridge project intensify, the government claims to remain receptive to input from all stakeholders. The fate of Koh Phayam hangs in the balance, with its residents and environmental advocates opposing initiatives that threaten the island’s natural beauty and tranquility. Faced with mounting opposition, the government has a daunting task ahead in striking a delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation.
This Land Bridge project is a disaster waiting to happen. The environmental impact alone is enough to cancel it!
Absolutely! Nature always pays the price for these so-called economic benefits. We need to think long-term.
But what about the jobs this project could create? The local economy would thrive!
Jobs won’t matter if the environment is destroyed. The island’s beauty is its main asset. Without that, why would tourists come?
Sustainable tourism is the way forward. Mega-projects like this are so outdated and destructive.
Sustainable tourism is idealistic. Not enough money comes from it to support a growing population.
That’s a myth. Plenty of places thrive on sustainable tourism. It just needs proper management and investment.
Why can’t the government just improve the existing infrastructure instead of building new mega-projects?
The Land Bridge project sounds like a temporary boost with permanent damage. Climate change should be our focus!
While climate change is important, so is development. We can’t ignore economic needs.
True, but there are better ways to develop without causing lasting environmental harm. We need more creative solutions.
My family has lived here for generations. The government doesn’t consider how this project will disrupt our lives.
It’s always the locals who suffer most. It’s heartbreaking.
If this project boosts Ranong’s economy, it’s worth the trade-off. We need to think of the bigger picture.
Bigger picture? The bigger picture includes preserving natural habitats!
Always the same story: profit over people and nature. We need stricter environmental laws.
Laws are great, but they need to be balanced. Too much restriction can stifle growth.
Balance is key, but we’re skewed too far towards profit right now.
Imagine the opportunities once the Land Bridge is built. Employment, trade, tourism – the possibilities are endless!
Opportunities for whom? Definitely not for the marine life or local communities.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is pushing this project too fast. Needs more public consultation.
It’s urgent for the economy. We can’t afford to go slow.
I visited Koh Phayam last year. It’s beautiful & serene. We owe it to future generations to preserve such spots.
The feasibility study isn’t even done, yet they’re presenting this to investors? Seems shady to me.
They always want to rush things before people can raise valid objections. Typical!
Exactly! Transparency is key, and that’s lacking here.
Don’t forget about the ethnic groups and sea gypsies who don’t have formal land titles. What happens to them?
They’ll be pushed out like always. Such a sad situation.
This project has too many loose ends. More harm than good.
I’ve been to many islands, and Koh Phayam is special. Let’s not let greed ruin it.
We need a compromise where development and conservation both win. It’s possible if there’s a will.
Why is the government always putting investors before citizens? This has got to stop.
Because investors bring money. It’s essential for development.
Development at what cost, though? Money isn’t everything.
How reliable are these economic benefits? Seems like a lot of wishful thinking.
No risk, no reward. We won’t know until we try.
Risk is one thing, but irreversible damage is another. We need to tread carefully.