EEC board set to consider first investor incentives

Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) board is expected to consider its first package of investment incentives in August 2026, covering eight pilot projects with a combined value of about 100 billion baht.

Chula Suksmanop, secretary-general of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), said the proposals would go before the EEC Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The projects are intended to support national investment and economic growth.

First project-by-project incentives

The EEC has prepared measures to attract foreign investors, including identifying which economic promotion zones are suitable for particular investments and providing a One Stop Service to help companies establish and operate their businesses.

However, the office has not previously granted its EEC incentives in a fully operational way, Chula said, as it had been preparing the necessary legal arrangements.

Those arrangements cover a wide range of areas, including tax measures that require discussions with the Revenue Department, customs matters, licences and visas.

"We try to guide people who want to invest, from inviting them in until they can actually operate," Chula said. Investors are advised on the appropriate promotion zone for their type of business, with incentives prepared for matters such as construction and factory establishment, he added.

The board is expected to assess and approve incentives separately for each project rather than offering an identical package to all eight investors. Most are expected to fall within target industries that the government is promoting as drivers of the future economy.

The EEC covers the eastern development area and is a major focus for industrial and infrastructure investment. Its incentives are intended to make it easier for eligible businesses to set up in designated promotion zones.

High-speed rail proposal may not be ready

Chula also said latest details on the proposed high-speed railway linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao airports may not be ready for the August board meeting.

The rail project has an investment value of more than 220 billion baht. It had been expected that the board could be offered options on whether to amend or terminate the public-private partnership contract with Asia Era One Co Ltd, the CP Group-led company.

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5 August 2026

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