Kra canal a vital thread in China's new Silk Route
Re: "Kra canal a channel to regional cooperation, prosperity", Letters, June 16.
I have to apologise for putting words into Sumet Jumsai’s mouth. I am heartened by his positive view on the Kra canal.
Dr Sumet is a man of many strengths – leading architect and town planner, historian, economic and political thinker, and patriot. May I suggest that he use his influence to push for this government to start either digging a canal or building a $4.8-billion rail link across the isthmus, whichever he thinks is the best solution? This is an opportune moment in terms of funding, which could be secured from the only regional development bank – the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which is backed by China and opposed by the United States. Perhaps we can get a good deal considering the current global economic recession.
A project to build a Kra canal would be a source of great prestige for all of us, even if it were only mooted as a possibility. It might also stop the US applying pressure over our political affairs.
Songdej Praditsmanont
