Although the shadow of the fuel crisis has not completely dissipated, the Anutin government in Thailand is still determined to press the fast forward button for large-scale infrastructure construction. Vice Premier and Minister of Transport Pipa recently made it clear that the new government will boost economic confidence through heavy asset investments, and an infrastructure storm covering land, sea, and air is brewing on both sides of the Gulf of Siam.

Land Bridge and Industrial Dual Engine

The construction of the Southern Economic Corridor is of paramount importance in this strategy. Pipa revealed that the highly anticipated draft of the land bridge project bill is ready to be submitted to the cabinet for review. After the Southern Economic Corridor Policy Committee completes its final research, substantial construction will begin in 2028. At the same time, the Chana Industrial Park, known as the future advanced industrial demonstration city, has also ended its long waiting period.

This 16700 rai park is located in Songkhla Province and has completed environmental and strategic assessments as early as the Prayut government period. Now, with the approval of TPIPP and IRPC, two energy giants, to operate in 2019, and the completion of social communication work at Prince Songkhla University, the project is targeting emerging industries such as data centers, attempting to take on the capacity spillover from the Eastern Economic Corridor.

EEC New City and Global Road Network

The upgrade map of the Eastern Economic Corridor EEC is also clear. The government plans to build an EEC new city within a 30 kilometer radius centered around Utabao Airport. Pippa revealed that in order to attract international theme parks such as Disney to settle in, the supporting world-class sports complex has entered the planning stage, including a 30000 person indoor venue, an 80000 person professional football field, and a standard swimming pool.

To support these grand ideas, the Ministry of Transport has simultaneously launched an investment list consisting of 13 projects with a total value of approximately 300 billion Thai baht, which is currently awaiting approval from the Cabinet. This list not only covers the high-speed rail network connecting the three major airports, but also includes key arteries such as the Phuket New Town Expressway and the Fotong to Qiyan Intercity Expressway. Keywords: Southeast Asian news, infrastructure development

Specifically, the second phase of the dual track railway project will run through Chumphon and Surat Thani until Hat Yai and Padang Besar, with a total budget of nearly 100 billion Thai baht; The total budget for the expansion and terminal projects of Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, and Phuket airports exceeds 74 billion Thai baht. These projects are not only the stacking of cement and steel, but also the cornerstone of Thailand's attempt to become a regional high-income country by 2030.Editor/Cheng Liting