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Solving the Thai canal riddle

As delays in projects go, being held up by almost 350 years is a big one. The idea of building a shipping canal across Thailand’s Kra Isthmus, reducing the usual trade route for ships between the Indian and Pacific oceans by more than 1,200km, was first mooted in 1677. However, despite the proposal resurfacing in the 20th century, fears over the environmental impact and the potential for it to divide the country have held it back. Now, the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) has put forward the idea of a ‘dry canal’ to carry ships across the south of Thailand, from Kra Buri to Chumpon Bay in the Gulf of Thailand, bypassing the Malacca Strait.

New generation in NYC

Lifting in New York poses a unique challenge overseen by high levels of regulations. Quickly-built and tightly-spaced skyscrapers combining with busy streets, problems with electricity supply, and mazes of subways. Now NYC Department of Buildings plans to prohibit the use of older cranes. Will North reports.