Industry Minister Inspects Map Ta Phut Phase 3 Progress

Pictures courtesy of Thaitabloid

The Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana on 30 December 2025 inspected progress at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate and Industrial Port Phase 3 in Rayong, ordering faster implementation to boost investor confidence and strengthen national energy security. The visit focused on accelerating infrastructure development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with immediate implications for large-scale industrial investment and logistics capacity.

The inspection follows ongoing government efforts to position the EEC as Thailand’s core industrial and energy hub. Map Ta Phut is a critical component of this strategy, supporting petrochemical, chemical and energy industries while underpinning export and import logistics. The Phase 3 port expansion is a flagship infrastructure project under the EEC development plan.

Mr Thanakorn said the Ministry of Industry is advancing its “Break-Overcome-Attract-Push” policy to upgrade Thai industry. He stated that the ministry will overcome economic challenges through strong infrastructure such as Map Ta Phut Port Phase 3, crack down on illegal factories and industrial waste dumping using modern monitoring systems, attract global investment into the EEC and push Thai entrepreneurs and SMEs towards innovation and green technology aligned with international standards.

He highlighted the “Smart MTP Port” model, which applies Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS) and 3D mapping via Metaverse technology to improve maritime safety and operational efficiency. Mr Thanakorn said modern industry must operate under the MIND policy, balancing economic growth with social and environmental responsibility. He added that the completion of 100% of sea reclamation work demonstrates effective public–private cooperation for Thailand’s long-term future.

The minister said the site visit aimed to accelerate EEC infrastructure and the Map Ta Phut Phase 3 project, reinforce investor confidence and energy security, and promote the Smart MTP Port model to international safety standards. He instructed the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) to ensure Phase 2 construction meets targets and to integrate cooperation with local communities, positioning Map Ta Phut as a sustainable industrial model for the future.

IEAT Governor Somet Tantiprasert outlined that the Map Ta Phut Complex currently comprises six industrial estates and one industrial port, hosting 192 factories. Total investment stands at 2 trillion baht, with more than 35,000 workers employed, led by downstream petrochemicals at 28%, chemicals at 17% and midstream petrochemicals at 14%. IEAT continues to drive international standards through sustainable innovation.

For Map Ta Phut Industrial Port Phase 3, Phase 1 (MTP 3.1), covering 1,000 rai of sea reclamation and infrastructure, was completed 100% on 31 March 2025. Phase 2 (MTP 3.2), involving construction of gas, liquid cargo and service berths, began on 15 October 2025 and targets opening gas and liquid cargo terminals within 2026.

Thaitabloid reported that IEAT also reported success in environmental governance through its Environmental Monitoring and Control Centre, using real-time air and water quality monitoring and the IEAT Waste Tracking Management System with 100% user compliance. Map Ta Phut has retained its Sustainable Development Goals Industrial Estate status and received a Carbon Neutral Certificate under ISO 26000 principles.

Key Takeaways

• The Industry Minister ordered faster delivery of Map Ta Phut Phase 3 to strengthen investor confidence and energy security.

• Phase 1 of the port project was completed in March 2025, with Phase 2 set for operation within 2026.

• Map Ta Phut hosts 192 factories with 2 trillion baht in investment and over 35,000 workers.

 Adapted by Asean Now from Thaitabloid 2026-01-01