By 2037, the government intends to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC) into a regional financial center and build a smart city of international caliber.
According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the government plans to invest 1.35 trillion baht to transform the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which spans three provinces (Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao), into a regional financial hub and to construct a smart city in the region.
The plan will be implemented in two phases, with the first ten years devoted to the development of the financial district, public and private offices, and medical and educational facilities. The second phase will prioritize the establishment of a smart city by 2037 to serve as a model for the nationwide development of smart cities.
In accordance with government objectives, the ECC smart city will be recognized for its innovative technological system, which encompasses mobility, energy, the environment, people, the economy, and governance. It is anticipated that by 2032, the city will have 350,000 residents and create approximately 200,000 new jobs.
The majority of the 1.35 trillion baht investment, 1.18 trillion or 87.5%, will come from the private sector, according to the spokesperson. The Thai government will contribute 37.6 billion (2.8%), with the remaining 131.1 billion (9.7%) coming from state-owned enterprises or public-private partnerships. Within ten years, the 1.35 trillion baht investment is anticipated to increase gross domestic product by 2 trillion baht.
