Context: The proposed Kra Canal has been in the news attracting significant geopolitical interventions; while it has some advantages, it is threatened by increased power play in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Significance of Kra Canal:
Significance of the project for China:
Issues with the building of the canal
Setback for Chinese Ambitions: Given the serious issues involved with the canal, Thailand is considering a land and rail bridge across the Kra Isthmus with deep seaports on either side, instead of a canal.
Way Forward: