The government has approved expanding the EEC special economic zones by four additional sites in Chonburi and Rayong, expecting to attract over 25 billion baht in investments and create more than 12,000 jobs, boosting future industries and spreading income to local communities.
On 30 October 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertvivatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, stated that under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership, the government is advancing investments in targeted industries to enhance the country's competitiveness, create jobs, and distribute income to the public. At the 3/2026 meeting of the Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Committee (EEC Policy Committee) chaired by the Prime Minister on 26 October 2026, approval was given to designate four additional special economic zones in Chonburi and Rayong, expected to generate total investments of about 25.664 billion baht and create 12,700 to 14,700 jobs upon project completion.
Ms. Lalida said the four special economic zones include:
1. E-Tech Smart Park Special Economic Zone in Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province, covering approximately 610 rai. It supports advanced automotive, smart electronics, digital, and comprehensive medical industries. Investment is expected at about 19.75 billion baht, creating 3,500 to 5,500 jobs.
2. New Horizon City Special Economic Zone in Si Racha District, Chonburi Province, covering about 572 rai. It supports advanced automotive, smart electronics, and digital industries under the concept of an eco-industrial city. Investment is expected around 4 billion baht, with more than 1,200 jobs created.
3. Phanat Nikhom Special Economic Zone in Phanat Nikhom District, Chonburi Province, spanning roughly 507 rai. It supports electric vehicles, automotive parts, electronics, and logistics industries. Investment is projected at about 1.669 billion baht, creating around 7,750 jobs, while also providing opportunities for service businesses and local entrepreneurs.
4. Modern Automotive Special Economic Zone (Pluak Daeng) in Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province, covering about 70 rai. It supports advanced automotive, robotics, and digital industries. Investment is expected to be approximately 245 million baht, with an increase of around 250 jobs.
Ms. Lalida added that this expansion of special economic zones focuses not only on attracting investment in high-tech industries but also on developing infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and electricity to support industrial growth and surrounding communities. This is coupled with strict environmental oversight and compliance with legal standards.
Approval to declare these special economic zones does not automatically grant all operators rights or licenses. Operators must follow criteria and conditions under the Eastern Special Development Zone Act of 2018 and related laws. The Eastern Special Development Zone Policy Office (EEC Policy Office) will monitor and ensure compliance with established standards.
“The government aims to promote the EEC as a future-oriented industrial investment base that truly benefits Thailand’s economy by creating jobs, increasing income, and expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Investment promotion must be balanced with environmental care and quality of life to achieve sustainable economic development,” she said. Ms. Lalida concluded.