Industrial officials visit Chiang Rai to survey special economic zone establishment

CHIANG RAI, 27 January 2015 (NNT) – Executives from the Ministry of Industry (MOI) and the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) have completed their field observation required for establishing a special economic zone in Chiang Rai.

The Minister of Industry Chakramon Phasukavanich, the IEAT Governor Verapong Chaiperm, and high-ranking officials have visited Chiang Rai province, which is a designated location for the establishment of a special economic zone to support the integration of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) at the end of this year.

The Industry Minister confirmed with the ad-hoc committee on land area that is designated for the establishment of the special economic zone. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Interior.

There are four strategies for Chiang Rai special economic zone development. 1. The promotion of industrial development and sustainable manufacturing integration. 2. The strength, efficiency, and competitiveness enhancement for the industrial manufacturing. 3. The promotion of the eco-friendly industries. 4. The promotion for broader investments to support the border areas and the AEC.

The IEAT Governor stated the IEAT is now constantly increasing the investment value to the Chiang Khong industrial estate in Chiang Rai, and aims to connect the industrial estate with infrastructure that will connect ASEAN to southern China.

Chiang Rai province is a suitable location to become a special economic zone. The province can become the logistic hub of the Mekong region and ASEAN thanks to the advantages of transport capabilities on land, water, and air.

The province is expected to play a great role in increasing trade and investment value in the border areas.


-- TNA 2015-01-27

Mixed feelings about this. It is good that CR becomes or stays a viable economic entity which will help all of our families here. I fear the loss of the fairly quiet and liveable tourist and rural economy may lead to a less liveable town.

Of course DB will fear the Chinese influence and it will inevitably increase but I am not sure that is a major problem.

I'd like to know if the survey has a strategy for the labor force.

This way the Lao and Chinese can come across the border to do the work in the dreamed up new economic zone. Look at all the big plans to date in Chiang Sean. You see a new boat lagoon but no boats going to China.

Will there be special lanes and transportation for human traffickers?