Delays to key infrastructure projects in EEC discourage foreign investors

Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi province. (Photo by EEC)

Foreign investors are reluctant to invest in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) because of delays in some major infrastructure projects, among them the high-speed train linking U-Tapao, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and government sources.

The high-speed train project has been delayed for four years, since the signing of the contract between the SRT and Asia Era One Company on October 24th, 2019.

Recently, Asia Era One was given until May 22nd to seek investment promotional privileges from the Board of Investment (BoI), so the SRT can issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) with project implementation.

Asia Era One, formerly known as the Eastern High Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Company, is a joint venture between Charoen Pokphand Holdings, which holds a 60% stake in the…