The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) has revealed that the project implementation remains on schedule. Currently in Phase 1, development covers an approximate area of 5,795 rai (out of a total area of 14,619 rai), focusing on a central business district, government offices, medical centers, and residential areas. The EECO has unveiled the draft land use plan and conceptual design for the EEC Business Center and Smart Livable City project, or EEC Capital City: EECiti, as it prepares to enter a new phase of development. This new phase involves opening Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment opportunities for infrastructure and utility systems throughout the EECiti project, with a total investment value of approximately 74,465 million baht (approx. $2.29 billion USD) within 2026. This is expected to be a significant turning point for the EEC, which has a total investment framework of 1.34 trillion baht (approx. $41.31 billion USD). The goal is to become one of the world's top 10 smart, livable cities by 2037, while maintaining the local lifestyle, culture, and community participation alongside innovation for the future.
Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO), disclosed that the EEC Business Center and Smart Livable City project (EEC Capital City: EECiti)whose action plan was approved by the Cabinet on December 20, 2022is progressing according to the Phase 1 (2023-2027) timeline. This phase involves developing 5,795 rai (927 Hectares), or approximately 40% of the total project area of 14,619 rai (2,339 Hectares), to create a central business district, regional offices, government offices, medical centers, and residential areas.
Key project progress includes designing the land use plans and conceptual designs, as well as determining the details for Public Private Partnership (PPP) investment. Currently, the project is in the conceptual design phase, and financial feasibility studies are being prepared for the official Call for PPP Investment Proposals. The land use plan and conceptual design of the EECiti project follow the concept of 'Smart - Green - Livable - Inclusive.' This aims to create an environmentally friendly smart city that is truly livable for everyone, benefiting the current population residing in Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, where the project is located. This aligns with the National Strategy, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global trends, and market demands. The project is divided into 6 main business cluster zones:
- Regional Headquarters District, Important Government Center, and Future Financial Services Center (CBD)
- Precision Medicine and Future Medicine Center District
- International Education-Research and Development Center District
- BCG Business Center District
- Service Business Center District (e.g., tourism and services, sports, recreation, logistics)
- Main Residential District for all income groups and Mixed-use
Under the concept of spatial planning for sustainable growth, green spaces and open areas will comprise more than 30% of the project area. This is complemented by the creation of smart service innovation spaces for everyone, such as central public spaces, convenient and accessible travel through smart transportation systems, reduced energy consumption, and an environmentally conscious, inclusive design equivalent to international standards to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. This also includes the development of smart infrastructure and utility systems.
"For all central infrastructure and utility systems within the EECiti project, Public Private Partnership (PPP) is required, either as a Single Package investment model or other appropriate forms, to ensure maximum benefit to service users and the country. This consists of 10 systems: 1. Electricity and Energy System, 2. Water Supply System, 3. Wastewater Collection and Recycled Water Production System, 4. Water Management System, 5. Waste Management System, 6. Digital Infrastructure and Telecommunications System, 7. Fire Fighting, Disaster Warning, and Lightning Protection System, 8. Road Network and Traffic System Supporting Public Transportation, 9. Common Utility Rail System, and 10. Central Green Spaces and Landscape. Currently, preparations are underway to submit this to the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee for consideration as a PPP Project list. It is expected that by approximately 2026, private sector investment in these infrastructure and utility systems will be opened, with a total investment value of approximately 74,465 million baht. The EECO aims to have private companies and state enterprises construct the infrastructure and central utility systems by fiscal year 2027," said Dr. Chula.
To drive investment and advance projects consistent with the implementation of the EECiti project, investors interested in developing commercial areas in the project's core business clusters can submit investment proposals for operations in their zones of interest to the EECO from 2026 onwards. Domestic and international private organizations interested in participating in PPP investments for infrastructure and utility systems within the EECiti project can follow updates on announcements from the EECO at https://www.facebook.com/eecwecan and https://www.linkedin.com/company/eecothailand/. The EECO plans to hold 'market sounding' activities (public hearings) with the private sector regarding the principles, methods, conditions, and processes of the PPP in December 2025 - January 2026.