Cabinet Approves Eight Special Economic Zones in EEC
The Thai Cabinet has approved eight special economic zones in the Eastern Economic Corridor to attract foreign investment and boost infrastructure. The zones span industries such as manufacturing, food processing, medical, energy, and logistics, and are expected to create jobs and distribute income nationwide.
The eight zones include Amata City Chonburi 2 Industrial Estate, 304 Industrial Park 2, food processing industry in Bang Pakong including the Thai Sustainable Coffee Group, Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Lak Chai Muang Yang Industrial Estate in Rayong, the Lifesphere Specialized Medical and Comprehensive Health Center in Pattaya, the second LNG station at Map Ta Phut, and Smart Logistics in Chachoengsao. According to the spokesperson, investors can apply for privileges and facilitation under the Eastern Special Development Zone Act of 2018. The initiative is expected to broaden the economy, spread income to surrounding areas, generate employment, and stimulate development of public utilities both inside and outside the project areas, such as roads, water systems, electricity, and reservoirs, to support industrial expansion and urban communities. Additionally, the zones aim to strengthen agricultural and food security through integrated resource management and increased crop production, while the second LNG station will reduce environmental impact from power generation by using cleaner natural gas instead of coal and fuel oil. Smart Logistics development will promote efficient resource use and reduce losses in transportation and storage.
