Thailand: 4 EEC projects worth THB470bn get nod

• The cabinet has endorsed four infrastructure investment projects worth a combined THB470bn under the government’s flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) scheme.
• The approval came as some of the nation’s economic engines including exports, tourism and industrial production, have shown signs of a slowdown.
• The four EEC projects are: U-Tapao aviation city (THB290bn), due to operate in 2023; a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre (THB10.6bn) set to open in 2022; the third phase of Laem Chabang seaport (THB114bn) due to open in 2023; and the third phase of Map Ta Phut seaport (THB55.4bn) due for launch in 2025.
• Gen Prayut said the North has the potential for considerable tourism development. He said the government has come up with a strategy to upgrade travel-related services and promote cultural and health-related tourism.
• The plan aims to better connect Thailand with neighbouring countries in ASEAN, the Greater Mekong Sub region, and members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for the Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec).
• The regime also plans to develop the four Northern provinces into smart cities for elderly people. Emergency medical services will be provided for those who have accidents, among other planned services, Gen Prayut said.

External Link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1567282/4-eec-projects-worth-b470bn-get-nod