Prachuap Won't Join Eastern Economic Corridor, Minister Assures

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin reaffirmed on August 19 that Prachuap Khiri Khan province will not be included in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Speaking after visiting the province as a representative of Prime Minister Ananthawin Charnweerakul to hear concerns from the "Strong Prachuap Network" and residents, Suchart emphasized that the government takes seriously local worries about environmental impacts, land use, water resources, forests, agriculture, community rights, and people's livelihoods. The EEC currently consists of only Chachoengsao, Rayong, and Chon Buri provinces, and Prachuap Khiri Khan is not part of this plan, Suchart said. Development decisions, he explained, must be based on facts, academic data, and public participation, while balancing economic growth with environmental care and quality of life.

Regarding environmental issues in Prachuap Khiri Khan, the government has ordered agencies to urgently pursue three key problems: illegal waste dumping, air pollution from smelting operations in Sri Mahosot and Kabin Buri districts, and water quality issues in public canals. Authorities have inspected contamination levels and are gathering evidence for legal proceedings, with the Pollution Control Department sharing analysis results with law enforcement and local forestry and administrative agencies filing complaints. The provincial industrial office is tracking violators and will prosecute chemical waste cases accordingly.

For air pollution from smelting fumes in Sri Mahosot District, the provincial industrial office has inspected the facility and issued orders under factory law; testing results are pending. An industrial waste-fueled power plant project in Kabin Buri District is undergoing environmental impact assessment, with agencies closely monitoring progress. Water quality issues in Buonlert Canal in Kabin Buri District are also being addressed by relevant authorities.