FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN RELATION TO THE EAST-WEST CORRIDOR
1. National transport master plans should be formulated or properly reviewed to provide a basis to facilitate sub-regional cooperation.
The Study Team recognized Thailand has clearer policies for sub-regional transport cooperation than other three countries. Only Thailand has the transport plan which clearly states sub-regional linkages aithough it is under revision due to the current economic crisis.
2. Necessary mitigation measures against adverse environmental effect should be taken for both natural and social environments.
For natural environment, it is essential to identify critical terrestrial and coastal marine ecologies which should be reserved.
For social environment, adverse effect on local communities and minorities should be carefully examined. Relationships between lowland people and upland ancestral groups have been often exacerbated by colonial policies, wars and refugee issues. Although positive impacts due to the East-West corridor developments are expected, negative impacts should also be adequately dealt with.
