Bangkok: The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) has approved the Chachoengsao Smart Logistics Promotion Zone, receiving 1.3 billion baht in investment.
According to Thai News Agency, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Board also acknowledged the principle of expanding the EEC to Prachinburi province to accommodate the growth of targeted industries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, chaired the first meeting of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) in 2026. Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Office (EECECO), served as the meeting secretary. The EECPC considered and resolved several important matters, including approving the declaration of an additional Special Economic Zone: the Smart Logistics Special Economic Zone (Chachoengsao). This zone, covering approximately 29 rai (about 9.9 acres), is located on Sukhumvit Road, Kilometer 72, Bang Pakong District, Chachoengsao Province. It aims to support investment in targeted industries such as aviation and logistics, and related businesses.
This special zone will feature a model logistics service utilizing advanced technology and innovation to provide a modern International Distribution Center (IDC) serving international exporters and importers requiring high precision. The IDC will utilize cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, GPS tracking, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) or smart racking. The processing of data using Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to generate approximately 1,350 million baht in investment in the aforementioned Special Economic Zone, create approximately 350 jobs, and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and expertise from businesses to upgrade smart logistics services.
The findings of the study on policy recommendations for expanding the Eastern Economic Corridor, conducted by the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC), included a feasibility study on designating Prachinburi Province as an additional member of the Eastern Economic Corridor. The area stands out due to its prime location, geographic advantages, and alignment with the supply chains of targeted industries that can connect to the EEC. 25% of factories are in targeted industries, and the area's development as a herbal medicine hub has the potential to create a comprehensive medical industry.
In terms of infrastructure, there are roads connecting the EEC and Bangkok, urban planning and industrial estates are capable of accommodating future investments, and sufficient water resources and labor are available to support increased economic activity. However, urgent policy recommendations within 1-2 years emphasize the need to address environmental issues, with key projects focusing on community waste management through integrated waste-to-energy plants, community wastewater management, and land use to maintain a balance between industry and agriculture.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Committee approved in principle the designation of Prachinburi Province as an additional area within the EEC. The EEC Office was requested to incorporate the opinions and observations from the committee members into the detailed proposal and resubmit it for the EEC's consideration before the Cabinet. Furthermore, the EEC Committee received updates on the progress of the EEC development. The EEC Office has spearheaded the establishment of 46 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (including 7 currently awaiting Cabinet approval). The EEC Office's One-Stop Service (EEC OSS) has already processed over 50 requests, covering applications for SEZ establishment, incentives, and permits under 7 laws, such as those related to land excavation, building construction, and public health. Progress was also noted in the preparation of infrastructure and public utilities, human resource development to support investment in target industries, and the linkage of investment benefits to the area and co mmunities.