Eastern Economic Corridor

This article is about the development in Thailand. For the Indian development, see Eastern Economic Corridor (India).

Special Economic Zone in Eastern Thailand, Thailand

Eastern Economic Corridor

Special Economic Zone

Eastern Special Development Zone| Thai:| เขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก

|

romanisation:| Khēt Phathanā Phisēt Phāk Tawan-ǭk

(clockwise from upper left) View of Pattaya skyline, Wat Sothonwararam main hall, Sanctuary of Truth, Phra Abhimani and the mermaid of Ko Samet, and Ganesha of Wat Saman Rattanaram

Emblem

Motto:

The Prime Gateway to Asia[1]

Country| Thailand
Region| Eastern Thailand
Provinces|

3 provinces

* Chachoengsao
* Chonburi
* Rayong
* Bangkok (peripheral)
* Samut Prakan (peripheral)

Largest city
by population| Si Racha
Before establishment| Eastern seaboard
NCPO head order| 17 January 2017
ESDZ act| 15 May 2018
Governing body| Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Office
Government

• Type| Special economic zone
• Secretariat| Chula Sukmanop
Area

• Total| 13,266 km2 (5,122 sq mi)
Population

(2018)

• Total| 2,973,770
• Density| 220/km2 (580/sq mi)
Time zone| UTC+7 (ICT)
Website| www.eeco.or.th

The Eastern Economic Corridor (Abrv: EEC; Thai: ระเบียงเศรษฐกิจภาคตะวันออก, romanized: Rabīang Sētthakit Phāk Tawan-ǭk, RTGS: Rabiang Setthakit Phak Tawan-ok, pronounced [rā.bīa̯ŋ sèːt.tʰā.kìt pʰâːk tā.wān.ʔɔ̀ːk]) officially the Eastern Special Development Zone (ESDZ), is a special economic zone of three provinces in eastern Thailand. Collectively, these provinces occupy an area of 13,266 km2 (5,122 sq mi), and in 2016 had an estimated population of over 2.8 million.

The zone was established on 17 January 2017, at the direction of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), with the mission of promoting economic integration across the (Eastern seaboard).[2] The first law of the EEC is the Eastern Special Development Zone Act, proclaimed on 15 May 2019.[3]

## History

[edit]

Main article: Eastern seaboard of Thailand

The Eastern Seaboard Development Programme (ESDP) was initiated as part of the Fifth Economic and Social Development Plan of Thailand (1982–1986).[4] It aimed at developing the region of the eastern seaboard in order to promote industrial growth and to decentralize economic and population growth.[5] The Thai government approached the World Bank for funding, but was turned away as, in the eyes of the bank, the project lacked "economic rationality".[6] Japan rescued the project by providing a modest 178.8 billion yen (US$1.6 billion) in loans, underwriting the construction of 16 projects: ports, roads, waterworks, and industrial parks. Japanese companies then invested heavily in the region. As of 2020[update], many of the estimated 5,500 Japanese companies in Thailand have facilities in the area.[6]

After the 2014 coup, the NCPO announced the creation of a special economic zone (SEZ) called the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) with a budget of 1.5 trillion baht (US$43 billion) over its first five years.[7] It is a key component of the "Thailand 4.0" economic policy announced in 2016.[8] As of 2017[update], the prime minister had invoked the special powers of Section 44 of the interim charter to revoke city plans in three provinces to remove obstacles to EEC development.[9] Planners see the region as strategically important as it borders the gulf as well as being close to Bangkok, and two major airports.

In December 2022,[10] the Thai government approved a 1.35 trillion baht ($44 billion) plan to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a regional financial hub and a world-class smart city by 2037.[11] The project will be divided into three phases, with the business and financial hub being constructed by 2025 and developed into one of the world's top 10 smart cities by 2037. The government estimates that the smart city will accommodate 350,000 people and create at least 200,000 jobs by 2032. 87.5% of the budget will come from the private sector, 2.8% from the government, and 9.7% from state enterprises or public-private partnerships. The project is expected to boost Thailand's GDP by 2 trillion baht over 10 years. Leased land and property in the EEC business hub and smart city will be transferred back to the government in 50 years.[12][13][14]

## Administrative divisions

[edit]

The economic zone includes three principal provinces and two peripheral provinces.

Member provinces  Seal | Flag | Province | Capital  | Accession  | Population
(2018)[15] | Area  | Population
density

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

|  | Chachoengsao | Chachoengsao | 17 January 2017 | 715,009 | 5,351 km2
(2,066 sq mi)  | 134/km2
(350/sq mi)
|  | Chonburi | Chonburi | 17 January 2017 | 1,535,445 | 4,363 km2
(1,685 sq mi)  | 352/km2
(910/sq mi)
|  | Rayong | Rayong | 17 January 2017 | 723,361 | 1,568.737 km2
(605.693 sq mi)  | 461/km2
(1,190/sq mi)
|  | Bangkok | Associated Area  | 10,820,921 | 1,004 km2
(388 sq mi)  | 10,778/km2
(27,910/sq mi)
|  | Samut Prakan | Samut Prakan | Associated Area  | 1,326,608 | 1,004 km2
(388 sq mi)  | 1,321/km2
(3,420/sq mi)

## Governing body

[edit]

Main article: Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Office

The Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Office (ESDZPO) is the governing body of the Eastern Economic Corridor. It is an independent public agency, reporting directly to the prime minister. It was established on 15 May 2019 by the Eastern Special Development Zone (2018) Act and replaced the Eastern Economic Corridor Office.

### EEC Secretariat

[edit]

The EEC Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General of the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Office.

Secretaries-General  No. | Name | Took office | Left office | Notes

|
|
|
|

1 | Kanit Sangsubhan | 17 January 2017 | 17 August 2022 |
2 | Chula Sukmanop | 1 April 2023 | – | [16]

## Economy

[edit]

Main article: Economy of Thailand

The EEC had a 2013 GDP of US$158.79bn (on a purchasing power parity basis), and US$63.76bn (on a nominal basis), about 15% of Thailand's GDP.[17]

Alibaba is among the most prominent investors in the EEC.[18]: 57 Alibaba committed approximately US$320 million for the development of an e-commerce digital hub in the EEC.[18]: 57

### Industries

[edit]

Twelve Key Industries Identified as Potential Growth Engines for Thailand:[19]

Five S-curve industries: Next-generation automotive,[20] intelligent electronics,[21] advanced agriculture and biotechnology,[22] food for the future,[23] and high-value and medical tourism.[24]

Seven new S-curve and supporting/emerging industries: Automation and robotics,[25] aviation and logistics,[26] medical and comprehensive healthcare,[27] biofuel and biochemical,[28] digital,[29] defense,[30] and education and human resource development.[31]

### Promotional zones

[edit]

The EEC Policy Committee approved promotional zones in two categories:[32]

* Special Services Promotional Zones : Implementation of infrastructure and technological development
* Industrial Promotional Zone : To better facilitate the development of 12 targeted industries

#### Special services

[edit]

Zone  | Type  | Governing agency  | Status  | Area  | Location  | Province  | Ref

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

EECa | Aerotropolis | Royal Thai Navy | Declared  | 10.4 km2
(4.0 sq mi)  | U-Tapao International Airport | Chonburi, and Rayong | [33]
EECd | Space krenovapolis  | Ministry of Digital Economy and Society | Declared  | 1.28 km2
(0.49 sq mi)  | Digital Park  | Chonburi  | [34]
EECh | High-speed rail | State Railway of Thailand | Declared  | 1.3712 km2
(0.5294 sq mi)  | Eastern high-speed railway | Bangkok, Samut Prakan,
Chachoengsao, Chonburi,
and Rayong  | [35]
EECi | Aripolis, and Biopolis  | National Science and Technology Development Agency | Declared  | 5.6 km2
(2.2 sq mi)  | Wang Chan Valley  | Rayong  | [36][37]
EECmd | Comprehensive healthcare | Thammasat University | Declared  | 0.4256 km2
(0.1643 sq mi)  | Thammasat University Pattaya  | Chonburi  | [38]
EECgenomics | Genomics | Burapha University | Declared  | 0.0592 km2
(0.0229 sq mi)  | Faculty of Pharmacy, BU  | Chonburi  | [39]
EECtp | Innovation Technology Park  | Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand  | Declared  | 0.8304 km2
(0.3206 sq mi)  | Ban Chang | Rayong  | [40]
EEC Business Center
& Livable Smart City | Smart city | Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand  | Declared  | 24 km2
(9.3 sq mi)  | Huai Yai  | Chonburi  | [12][13]

#### Industrial

[edit]

There are currently 26 industrial estates and 2 industrial clusters in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand. The industrial estates are:[41][42]

* 26 industrial estates: WHA Rayong Industrial Estate, Eastern Seaboard I.E. (Rayong), WHA Eastern Industrial Estate (Map Ta Phut), WHA Eastern Seaboard I.E.1, WHA Chonburi I.E.1, WHA Chonburi I.E.2, WHA Eastern Seaboard I.E.2, WHA Eastern Seaboard I.E.3, WHA Eastern Seaboard I.E.4, CPGC I.E. (Rayong), Amata City Chonburi I.E., Amata City Chonburi I.E. (2nd Project), Amata City Rayong I.E., Pinthong Industrial Estate, Pinthong Industrial Estate (Laem Chabang), Pinthong Industrial Estate (3rd Project), Pinthong Industrial Estate (4th Project), Pinthong Industrial Estate (5th Project), TFD I.E. (2nd Project), Yamato Industries I.E., Smart Park I.E., Asia Clean, Rojana Nongyai, Rojana Lamchabang, WHA Industrial Estate (Rayong), and EGCO Rayong Industrial Estate.

* 2 industrial clusters: Next-Generation Automotive Banpho and E-Commerce Bang Pakong.

### Smart city

[edit]

The EEC Livable Smart City, in its ultimate phase, will span over 10,000 hectares (100 square kilometers) and accommodate 2 million inhabitants. Its design prioritizes livability, sustainability, and smart technologies, with a central 64-hectare park and natural waterways connecting twelve districts. The city will also features various facilities, including government buildings, offices, a convention center, a retail market, a healthcare hub, a research and development hub, a start-up community, and a world-class sports complex for major international events.[43]

## Public transport

[edit]

### Air

[edit]

U-Tapao International Airport

The Eastern Economic Corridor is served by U-Tapao International Airport, one of three main commercial airports in the country. As Bangkok's two international airports are currently operating beyond capacity,[44] the government intends to transform U-Tapao into a third major destination for airlines.[45] To support this goal, the state government and private sector have developed a project plan to construct an airport with two 3,500-meter runways and 124 aircraft stands, along with supporting facilities such as an MRO Complex, an Aviation Training Center, and a Ground Transportation Center. The project is being undertaken by U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited (BBS Joint Venture), which was awarded a 50-year contract and recently signed the Public Private Partnership Agreement of U-Tapao International Airport & Eastern Airport City Project on 19 June 2020. The signing ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha. U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited is a joint venture among three large private companies: Bangkok Airways, BTS Group Holdings, and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction.[46]

The private sector partners will also construct a third Passenger Terminal Building, a Cargo Village, and a Free Trade Zone, among other commercial areas. These facilities will be seamlessly connected to the airport by a Ground Transportation Center, which will include a high-speed train, buses, and taxis. Additionally, an Automated People Mover (APM) will run through automated walkways and allow passengers to travel to and from the airport quickly and efficiently. The project will be completed in four phases, with the first phase set to be completed by 2024, accommodating 15.9 million passengers, and the final phase scheduled for completion in 2055, accommodating up to 60 million passengers annually.[47][46][48]

The Eastern Airport City is a part of the larger initiative to improve transportation and logistics infrastructure in the EEC. It is a planned mixed-use development that will be integrated with U-Tapao International Airport, serving as a hub for aviation-related industries, logistics, and tourism. The Airport City will feature various commercial areas, including hotels, shopping malls, convention centers, and office buildings. The development is expected to attract both domestic and international investors, creating jobs and spurring economic growth in the region.[49][50][46]

### Rail

[edit]

Makkasan Station is one of fifteen eastern high-speed rail stations.

The Eastern Economic Corridor is served by the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) Eastern Line. The main stations are Chachoengsao Junction railway station and Chon Buri railway station.

A high-speed rail line is planned to serve the EEC. The Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway will connect Don Mueang International Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport and U-Tapao International Airport. On 24 October 2019, a 224.5 billion baht (US$7.4bn) contract was signed by the Thai government and a consortium led by Charoen Pokphand Holding to build the railway. The consortium includes Charoen Pokphand (CP); Ch. Karnchang PLC (CK); Bangkok Expressway and Metro PLC (BEM); Italian-Thai Development PLC (ITD); and China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC). The 220 kilometre line will consist of 181 kilometres of elevated track, eight kilometres of underground track, and two kilometres of surface track. Construction of the rail line will begin 12 to 24 months from the date of contract signing. Trains on the route will operate at maximum speeds of 250 kmph. The consortium will have the right to operate and manage the rail line for 50 years after which project assets will revert to the government.[51]

### Road

[edit]

The Ministry of Transport's plan to extend Motorway 7 (Bangkok-Chon Buri-Map Ta Phut) to connect U-Tapao International Airport with seaports and the Bangkok metropolitan area is aimed at integrating land transportation.[52]

### Water

[edit]

Laem Chabang Port

A passenger-only ferry service from Pattaya to Hua Hin began operation on 12 January 2017 but is no longer in operation.It was operated by Royal Passenger Liner.[53] By road, the journey takes five to six hours. The ferry shortens travel time to about two hours, subject to sea conditions. The ferry cruises at 27 knots on the 113 km journey across the Gulf of Thailand with a maximum passenger capacity of 150 persons. Larger ferries carrying up to 260 people may be added to the service later. Ferries capable of carrying vehicles are projected for 2020.[54]

The Eastern Economic Corridor is served by two ports: Laem Chabang Port and Map Ta Phut Port. Laem Chabang Port is main international port from its opening in 1991. It is Thailand's largest port. The port occupies 2,572 acres (1,041 ha) and is capable of handling the largest (Post-Panamax) vessels.[55]

## Health, education and research

[edit]

The EEC is home to Burapha University, Amata University (EEC campus of National Taiwan University), CMKL University (Carnegie Mellon University), and Asian Institute of Hospitality Management (Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Switzerland). The University of Tokyo (Japan), Kyoto University (Japan), Waseda University (Japan), Hohai University (China), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and the Auckland University of Technology plan to open campuses in the EEC.[56][57]

## See also

[edit]

* Southern Economic Corridor (SEC)
* Central–Western Economic Corridor (CWEC)
* Northern Economic Corridor (NEC)
* Northeastern Economic Corridor (NEEC)
* Special Economic Zones (SEZ)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Corporate Identity". Eastern Economic Corridor Office. www.eeco.or.th. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
2. ^ คำสั่งหัวหน้าคณะรักษาความสงบแห่งชาติที่ ๒/๒๕๖๐ เรื่อง การพัฒนาระเบียงเศรษฐกิจพิเศษภาคตะวันออก ราชกิจจานุเบกษา เล่ม ๑๓๔ ตอน ๑๙ ง พิเศษ หน้า ๓๐ ๑๗ มกราคม ๒๕๖๐
3. ^ "พระราชบัญญัติเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก พ.ศ. ๒๕๖๑" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 July 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
4. ^ Kri-aksorn, Thammachart (5 May 2020). "EEC (3): Influence of Chinese Concepts on Thai Economic Development". Prachatai English. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
5. ^ "The Fifth National Economic and Social Development Plan". Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. Retrieved 22 January 2020.[permanent dead link]
6. ^ a b Takahashi, Toru (16 November 2019). "Thailand's iconic railway project set to deepen economic divisions". Nikkei Asian Review. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
7. ^ Villadiego, Laura (23 July 2017). "THAILAND CHASES CHINESE MONEY, BUT AT WHAT COST?". South China Morning Post (SCMP). Retrieved 30 October 2017.
8. ^ Hall, Tom (29 October 2017). "Empowering ASEAN exhibitions". Exhibition World. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
9. ^ Rujivanarom, Pratch (30 October 2017). "Critics slam NCPO order suspending city planning". The Nation. Archived from the original on 4 November 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
10. ^ Cabinet approves operational plan for trillion-baht EEC smart city project, December 21, 2022
11. ^ "Cabinet approves operational plan for trillion-baht EEC smart city project".
12. ^ a b ECC New City
13. ^ a b ECC New City
14. ^ ECC New City
15. ^ "ร่ยงานสถิติจำนวนประชากรและบ้านประจำปี พ.ศ.2561" [Statistics, population and house statistics for the year 2018]. Registration Office Department of the Interior, Ministry of the Interior. stat.bora.dopa.go.th (in Thai). 31 December 2018. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
16. ^ "เซ็นแล้ว! "จุฬา สุขมานพ" นั่งเลขาฯ อีอีซีคนใหม่ มีผล 1 เม.ย.นี้ ลุยภารกิจลงทุน-ขับเคลื่อน 5 เมกะโปรเจกต์", mgronline.com (in Thai), March 28, 2023
17. ^ "Gross Regional and Provincial Product, 2013 Edition". Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB). April 2015. ISSN 1686-0799. Archived from the original on 9 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
18. ^ a b Han, Enze (2024). The Ripple Effect: China's Complex Presence in Southeast Asia. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-769659-0.
19. ^ "Targeted Industries". Eastern Economic Corridor Office. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
20. ^ Next-generation automotive industry
21. ^ Intelligent electronics
22. ^ Advanced agriculture and biotechnology
23. ^ Food for the future
24. ^ Medical tourism industries
25. ^ Automation and robotics
26. ^ Aviation and logistics
27. ^ Medical and comprehensive healthcare
28. ^ Biofuel and biochemical
29. ^ Digital
30. ^ Defense
31. ^ Education and human resource development
32. ^ "Overview of the Promotional Zone". Eastern Economic Corridor Office. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
33. ^ "ความคืบหน้าในการพัฒนาเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก ตุลาคม 2564 - มีนาคม 2565" (PDF). Eastern Economic Corridor Office (in Thai). Retrieved February 25, 2023.
34. ^ "DIGITAL PARK THAILAND" (PDF). Eastern Economic Corridor Office. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
35. ^ "ประกาศสำานักงานคณะกรรมการนโยบายเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก" (PDF). Eastern Economic Corridor Office (in Thai). Retrieved February 25, 2023.
36. ^ Promotion area
37. ^ Promotion area
38. ^ "EECmd" (PDF). Eastern Economic Corridor Office. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
39. ^ "EECgenomics" (PDF). Eastern Economic Corridor Office. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
40. ^ Announced EEC
41. ^ Industrial estates
42. ^ Announced promotion area
43. ^ EEC Livable Smart City Masterplan, retrieved March 28, 2023
44. ^ "U-Tapao airport takes new leap". Bangkok Post. 21 June 2016. Retrieved 21 June 2016.
45. ^ BBS group revs up engines for Thailand's third major airport, nationthailand, June 25, 2020
46. ^ a b c U-Tapao International Aviation Company Limited moves forward to develop the U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Airport City Project to become the center of Aviation and gateway of Asia, June 23, 2020
47. ^ THE NEW SOUL OF THAILAND, retrieved March 1, 2023
48. ^ "Terminal 2 at U-Tapao airport to be fully opened in February". The Nation. 8 November 2018. Archived from the original on 5 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
49. ^ Airport Airport City U-Tapao International Aviation Co., Ltd., retrieved March 1, 2023
50. ^ "Cabinet approves Eastern Airport City". bangkok post. August 9, 2022.
51. ^ "Thailand signs $7.4bn high-speed train project agreement". Railway Technology. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
52. ^ "Motorway 7 extension speeds up", Bangkok Post, June 12, 2021
53. ^ "10 Spooktacular Halloween Costume Ideas For Pets – Suggestive.com | Everyday News and Entertainment". Archived from the original on 17 December 2019. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
54. ^ "Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry to begin on New Year's Day". Bangkok Post. 13 November 2016. Retrieved 13 November 2016.
55. ^ "Information". Laem Chabang Port. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
56. ^ "Les Roches Global Hospitality Education". Ministry of Education. 5 January 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.
57. ^ "ดึงญี่ปุ่นตั้งมหาวิทยาลัย เปิดหลักสูตรในอีอีซี". bangkokbiznews. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 17 December 2019.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Kri-aksorn, Thammachart (20 January 2020). "EEC (1): Megaproject 'exempt' from investigation of basic principles – No coup, no project". Prachatai English. Retrieved 19 May 2020.

* Subpawanthanakun, Kritsada (21 January 2020). "EEC (2): Hear the voice of the local people when the state-capital 'legally' grabs land". Prachatai English. Retrieved 19 May 2020.

## External links

[edit]

* Eastern Economic Corridor website
* EECa website
* EECd website
* EECi website
* EECmd website
* EECtp website
* Wang Chan Valley website