The Kra Isthmus is a narrow strip of land in southern Thailand that connects the Malay Peninsula to the Asian mainland. It is approximately 44 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and serves as a significant geographical feature in the region. The isthmus is located between the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Historically, the Kra Isthmus has been considered for various transportation projects, including a proposed canal that would provide a shortcut for maritime trade. This canal, often referred to as the Kra Canal, could potentially reduce shipping times between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.