The Cabinet has approved a project to develop the Eastern Economic Corridor into one of ASEAN’s most major economic zones.

At its weekly meeting today, the Cabinet decided in favor of a project to develop Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao provinces, which together form the nation’s Eastern Economic Corridor, to become ASEAN’s most major economic zone. The project will seek to integrate all necessary systems in the 3 provinces and see infrastructure investment to attract businesses. The investment will include logistics connections from Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang and U-Tapao airports to the 3 provinces to improve cost effectiveness in transporting goods to and from the region.

The Prime Minister has tasked his deputy for economic affairs, the Ministry of Transport and the Royal Thai Navy with filling out the details of the project, calling for transport plans by rail, water and air. He asked that all plans also take into consideration the transport systems of the nation’s neighbors as well as city plans and environmental impacts. He called for the plan to be drafted within 3 months.