Thailand's competitiveness in the Eastern Economic Corridor will depend not only on infrastructure and industry, but on its ability to build a globally attractive ecosystem blending business, tourism, sports and lifestyle, says Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office.
His remarks come as the government's flagship EECiti project enters a critical phase, with policymakers under pressure to turn long-term ambition into tangible investment, even as delays to a key high-speed rail link cast uncertainty over the broader development.
"The EEC is no longer just about factories or logistics," Mr Chula said. "It must become a global hub where people want to invest, work and live."
Located in Huay Yai district of Chon Buri, the Eastern Economic Corridor Capital City, or EECiti, forms part of a strategy approved in 2022 under former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
Conceived as a next-generation urban centre, it is intended to anchor Thailand's shift toward high-tech industries, international services and premium tourism.
The project is now in its first phase (2023–2027), with authorities preparing to open bidding for 10 major infrastructure and utility systems under public-private partnership (PPP) schemes, with combined investment projected at 74.5 billion baht. The full masterplan extends to 2037.
Since 2018, the EEC has attracted 45.7 billion baht in foreign investment, with China, Japan, Australia, Belgium and Singapore among key contributors.
Target industries include digital technology, next-generation automotive manufacturing, medical services and bio-circular-green (BCG) sectors.
However, the pace of development remains closely tied to progress on the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports, widely seen as the backbone of the EEC strategy.
The 220-km rail line has been delayed by prolonged legal reviews and financial negotiations, with reported losses exceeding 2.3 billion baht.
A revised contract, expected to be reviewed by the cabinet, would require the private consortium to shoulder greater financial obligations while providing guarantees to ensure completion within five years. Despite these challenges, policymakers are pressing ahead with a broader vision that extends beyond industrial investment.
The government is positioning the EEC as a future hub for global tourism, entertainment and major international events. Proposals include an 80,000-seat stadium, an international sports complex covering 1,500 rai, and a potential Formula One-standard racing circuit near U-Tapao.
A revived plan to attract a Disneyland-style theme park has also drawn attention, reflecting efforts to create a large-scale "entertainment and lifestyle" destination capable of drawing international visitors and investors.
Officials estimate such events could bring tens of thousands of foreign visitors per occasion, generating significant revenue for hotels, restaurants and local businesses in nearby Pattaya and across the eastern seaboard.
Yet structural challenges remain. A 2025 review by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) pointed to weak coordination across government agencies -- a key risk as Thailand seeks to align infrastructure development with workforce and education policies.
