State vows to expedite EEC projects

State vows to expedite EEC projects

The government vows to accelerate key investment infrastructure projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and pledges to ensure transparency and fairness to the private sector.

Speaking after chairing a meeting of the EEC Policy Committee yesterday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha ordered responsible agencies to speed up main infrastructure development projects in the EEC as planned.

The EEC is part of the government's strategy to move Thailand to a high-tech economy.

The area spans a combined 30,000 rai of land in the provinces of Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao to accommodate investment in targeted industries, with the focus largely on advanced technology.

Infrastructure projects in the first phase comprise high-speed railway links between three airports; the development of U-tapao airport; and the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3 and Laem Chabang Port Phase 3.

The four development projects are worth a combined 655 billion baht, with the private sector providing 416 billion baht and the government making up the remainder.

The EEC Office has already signed contracts with the private sector in four projects.

According to Kanit Sangsubhan, secretary-general of the EEC Office, the high-speed rail linking the three major airports is being constructed by a Charoen Pokphand Group-led consortium, while the Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3 and Laem Chabang Port Phase 3 have also started construction.

Regarding the U-tapao airport development, the government has already approved the environmental impact assessment for the scheme, with construction scheduled to be implemented soon, said Mr Kanit.

Mr Kanit said the investment in the EEC has yet to face any negative impact from the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.

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