Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is set to monitor updates on Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) developments next month during mobile cabinet meetings in Trat and Chanthaburi.
Updates on various EEC initiatives backed by the government will be announced by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak during the cabinet meetings on Feb 5-6, according to a Government House source.
"Prime Minister Prayut will be following up on progress in tourism and agriculture in the local areas [in Trat and Chanthaburi]," the source said.
"[These developments] will result in widespread benefit for industry in Thailand's eastern region, including its upcoming industrial changes."
The EEC comprises three main provinces: Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong. With a combined area of over 13,000 square kilometres, several government initiatives have been geared towards development in the region, such as renovations at U-tapao airport in Rayong and Laem Chabang port in Chon Buri. Other eastern provinces can also be added by means of a royal decree.
According to the source, an EEC bill comprising a civil law to govern all economic activities in the corridor is awaiting final approval by the National Legislative Assembly.
The source said subjects to be discussed during the mobile cabinet meetings include plans by the Transport Ministry to construct a double-rail train route from Bangkok to Trat, bordering Chanthaburi.
Initial phases will connect the capital to Rayong, the source added.
The Government House source said plans to promote Chanthaburi as the "Thai capital of fruit and precious gems" will be pitched at the meetings. The province is known for its gemstone market and tropical fruit farms, many of which have been turned into fruit "buffets" serving durian, mangosteen and rambutan.
Plans to set up checkpoints in Cambodia, which borders Trat, will also be discussed. It is not known how much money is likely to be spent.