Phiphat declined to comment on the issue of expanding the EEC to Prachinburi, stating it is under the responsibility of the Prime Minister. He revealed that Suchart is preparing to visit the area to resolve waste and pollution problems.
At 09:30 on 18 Aug 2026 GMT+7, at the Government House, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, spoke about the case of locals in Prachinburi opposing and requesting a review of including their province as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). He said he currently had no comment on the matter since the EEC falls under the Prime Minister's oversight.
Phiphat stated that, as far as he knows, there is an issue of waste causing pollution. After today's Cabinet meeting, Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, will visit Prachinburi to address these problems.
Regarding concerns that investors might interfere with villagers' livelihoods, Phiphat said he was not aware of the details. He noted that questions about the EEC should be directed to Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the EEC Policy Committee, and advised waiting for the Prime Minister's return. He emphasized that he did not dare to comment on this matter and wanted to be straightforward.
When asked if, during his tenure as chairman of the EEC Policy Committee, there was discussion about merging Prachinburi into the EEC, Phiphat said that the proposal to include Prachinburi had been made and he did not object. He assigned the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) to study its suitability, as originally the EEC comprised three provinces: Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao.
Phiphat explained that the EEC Secretary-General proposed expanding to Prachinburi to address labor needs, as workers from the Northeast would find it more convenient to work there. This was the perspective considered. However, no conclusion had been reached since the NESDC had not yet submitted its study results.
When asked if he was concerned that the opposition leader's visit to Prachinburi might turn into a political issue, Phiphat said he was not worried because two ministries are responsible: the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, both of which will visit the area to address the problems.