Private sector calls for development of Kra Isthmus Canal in Thai South

BANGKOK, August 27 (TNA) - The local private sector plans to propose the development of the Thai Canal, or the Kra Isthmus Canal, in Ranong Province in the Thai South to the new Thai government, headed by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also Thai Army and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) Chief. Nit Ouitekkeng, advisor to the chair of Ranong's Chamber of Commerce, told journalists on Wednesday that the provincial chamber of commerce, the industrial council and the tourism association of Ranong will repeat their call for the construction of the canal to the new government, as it will link the Indian and the Pacific Oceans, resulting in regional development. Nit said many previous Thai governments have considered the project, but leaving it due to political reasons. Nit pointed out that the development of the Kra Isthmus Canal is a big project beneficial to the national economy, as the Kra Canal will then become a shortcut between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and Thailand will become an important location of transport between the two oceans. According to the advisor, the proposed project will also lead to further industrial and commercial development in the southern Thai region,referring to new deep-sea ports, electric rail transit systems, east-west highways, oil refineries, oil storage yards and water and power supply facilities. (TNA)