Over the past years of the rule of Prime Minister Pratyut Chan-ocha, his ideas on the creation of the Eastern Economic Zone (VEZ) have not been properly implemented. The goal of the project was to develop the eastern region of Thailand and turn it into one huge economic zone with the potential for world leadership.
In 2018, the Eastern Economic Zone Law was passed and the project was officially launched. However, there are still no real estate properties that private investors could start building, mainly due to problems with the allocation of land.
During Pratyut Chan-ocha's second term, the oversight of VES development was handed over to Somkid Jatusripitaku. However, his resignation in July 2020 resulted in delays and setbacks in development support. Ministers belonging to the Somkida faction responsible for the development of the VES were removed from their positions, including Finance Minister Uttama Savanayan and Minister Kobsak Putrakul.
Currently, the development of the VES is being monitored by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Supattanapong Punmichao. Delays in various projects are his responsibility. He chairs the Eastern Economic Zone Development Policy Committee and chairs the Eastern Economic Zone Governance Committee.
There are delays in negotiations with private partners on several projects, both before and after the signing of investment agreements, including in the high-speed rail project. It is aimed at linking three airports - Donmuang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao.
