Economics Proposal to Spend 1.34 Trillion Baht on New ‘Second Bangkok’ in Huai Yai, Chonburi

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

 

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is set to transform 14,619 rai, in Huai Yai subdistrict of Bang Lamung, Chonburi, into a massive new smart city project, in what is being dubbed as “Thailand’s second Bangkok”. The project will involve a proposed estimated investment of 1.34 trillion baht and is hoped to be completed by 2030.

 

At a seminar titled “Legal Frameworks for Foreign Investment in Thailand: Sales, Rentals, and Development” held on 30 May, Mr. Korthong Thongtham Na Ayutthaya, Deputy Director of the Office of Smart City and Urban Business Centre under the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), revealed plans for the new city, which will complement the development of U-Tapao Airport.

 

The city is planned around six key business clusters:

 

1. Regional office and financial services

2. Precision and future healthcare

3. International education and R&D

4. Tourism, recreation and sports

5. BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) economy businesses

6. Mixed-use residential and commercial developments

 

The land allocation is structured with 70% designated for infrastructure and 30% for usable space.

Phase One Development

 

Phase one will span five years and cover 5,795 rai, with an investment value of over 534 billion baht. It will feature key infrastructure, a central business district, healthcare and wellness centres, residential and commercial mixed-use zones, shopping centres, and convention spaces.

 

The EECO has already signed Memoranda of Understanding with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand to support BCG businesses and with the Sports Authority of Thailand to develop a sports complex on 1,500 rai.

 

Other components such as residential and mixed-use areas are still in the process of securing private investors. Investors will benefit from special incentives under the EEC legal framework, which designates the area as a special economic zone.

 

The entire project is expected to accommodate 350,000 residents and create up to 200,000 jobs, significantly enhancing development in both Pattaya and the U-Tapao Airport area.

 

Transport and Investment Plans

 

According to Mr. Korthong, rental rates for land and spaces within the project are being finalised, with strong interest already shown from both Thai and international investors.

 

Investment will be split into two parts. The first will focus on essential infrastructure and utilities, including electricity, water supply, telecommunications, wastewater treatment, waste recycling and a mass transit system connecting Pattaya’s proposed monorail to the new city and the upcoming sports complex.

 

This infrastructure phase will operate under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Bidding is set to begin in 2026, with land clearance expected in 2027.

 

The second phase will focus on business development across the six strategic sectors. Leasing of land to private investors is projected to start in 2027. Housing developments, including both houses and condominiums across all segments, will be offered under long-term leases (50+49 years), with construction beginning in 2028 and completion targeted for 2030, coinciding with the completion of the high-speed rail link connecting Thailand’s three main airports.

 

Vision for the Future

 

Mr. Korthong emphasised that the goal is to create a global-standard smart city, a model for future urban development in Thailand, comparable to cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong. The new EEC city aims to address key challenges facing existing Thai urban areas and become one of the world’s top 10 most liveable smart cities.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-06

 

 

 

[ozz1]

Ladyboys on every corner that will work where's the money coming from

[PJ71]

Who comes up with these brain farts, that's up there with some of the best....

[SAFETY FIRST]

Oh, great, more traffic for the region. 

 

[johng]

lucky they already built the 10 lane motorway.

[JoePai]

is hoped to be completed by 2030

 

🤣 that's the best bit

[mikebell]

Remember 1st comes the feasibility committee; (10 million for several members of Hi-So local families).  Next comes the jockeying for the building contract by mega-companies distributing 'sweeteners'.  This money is then recouped by skimming on the suppliers of materials.  The resultant build will cost many lives and police will begin an investigation, after warning those involved, to leave for foreign climes.

[dddave]

I live in Jomtien and whenever I just want a peaceful drive in a beautiful area with mountains, trees and uncrowded roads, I head to Hua Yai and the area surrounding the "Buddha Mountain" and especially the almost unspoiled forest preserve behind Wat Yan Sang Wararam.  One can almost feel like it's a country drive only 30 minutes from Pattaya.  No doubt, this is exactly the area they will feel compelled to despoil to create their new urban jungle.

 

I feel fortunate to be too old to be around when it happens.  

[edwinchester]

"The project will involve a proposed estimated investment of 1.34 trillion baht and is hoped to be completed by 2030."

 

The Bangkok to Kanchanaburi motorway has been 11 years in the making and still not finished. Five years for a complete city? I want whatever the committee who dreamt up that timescale is inhaling.

[LennyW]

So they worry about Bangkok sinking.....and they want to create a second Bangkok in the Big Muddy LOL!!!!