October 6, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan disclosed that the cabinet, in its meeting today, acknowledged the establishment of 8 special economic zones, as proposed by the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, which are: 1) Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate 2; 2) 304 Industrial Park 2; 3) Food Processing Industry (Bang Pakong): Sustainable Thai Coffee Cluster (Rayong province); 4) Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate; 5) Lakchai Muang Yang Industrial Estate (Rayong province); 6) LifeSphere Specialized Medical and Health Center (Pattaya), for specialized medical care and comprehensive health services; 7) Map Ta Phut LNG Terminal 2; and 8) Smart Logistics (Chachoengsao).

Benefits gained from the establishment of the 8 special economic zones include:

1. Attracting foreign investment into designated zones, with investors eligible for incentives, approvals, and permissions under the Eastern Economic Corridor Act, B.E. 2561
2. Promoting economic expansion and income distribution to surrounding areas, and increasing employment opportunities for local communities
3. Engendering the development of public utilities both inside and outside the project areas, i.e., roads, water systems, electricity, and reservoirs, in response to the growth of industrial zones and urban communities
4. The development of infrastructure and utilities not only enhances investment capacity within the EEC, but also contribute to community and urban development, thereby, improving people’s quality of life
5. Strengthening agricultural and food security through integrated resource management and increased agricultural production to ensure domestic food security and promote value-added agriculture
6. Reducing environmental impacts by using LNG for electricity generation
7. Promoting resource optimization through smart management. Reducing waste, and preventing inefficient transport, excessive storage, or product damage through the implementation of Smart Logistics process