Implication of Thailand's Kra Canal Development for The Surrounding Countries

Abstract

The Kra Canal is a proposed canal that would cut across the Isthmus of Kra in southern Thailand, connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. The concept has been around for centuries, but serious plans and debates about its construction have emerged in recent decades. This article explores the history of the Kra Canal proposal, highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks for various countries in Southeast Asia. It discusses how the canal could impact trade routes, economies, and geopolitics in the region. The article will examines the environmental and social concerns surrounding the project. Moreover, after the start of China’s Belt and Road Initiative that may provide progress but also able to bring complications to the region. Using descriptive qualitative approach, the article will utilize data from library research and realted sources to analyze the issue. The article concludes by mentioning the alternative proposal for a land bridge across the Kra Isthmus, along with its potential advantages and disadvantages.