Eastern Economic Corridor Research Articles

Motivations of Sports Tourists and Their Companions in Participating in Rowing Activities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)

This study explores the motivations of sports tourists and their companions in participating in rowing activities within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Water-based sports tourism, such as rowing, has increased in popularity due to its integration of physical activity with natural environments. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess five key motivational categories: physical health, personal achievement, social interaction, psychological well-being, and experiential enjoyment. A total of 200 participants, including sports tourists and their companions, were surveyed at various rowing events in the EEC. Results show high motivation levels across all categories, with experiential motivation being the most significant factor, followed by physical health and personal achievement. These findings underscore the importance of promoting rowing as an activity that addresses both physical and psychological needs while fostering social connections. Future research could explore how these factors influence long-term participation and retention in sports tourism.

Evaluating river basin plans’ effects on water stress in Thailand’s economic development area

ABSTRACT Surging water demand necessitates strategic water management to maintain efficiency and accessibility. In Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor Project, water demand escalated from 2005 to 2018 by 54%, prompting water management plans using pipe diversion. However, this plan merely shifts scarcity issues due to limitations and climate uncertainties. The Water Stress Index assessed the impact using distributed hydrological modelling, revealing the 3Rs scenario, and a dry season rice cultivation lowered by 26%. Specific basins still face extreme stress. Integrating scenarios can refine and alleviate stress, suggesting a combined scenario approach, improving Water Stress Index and efficiently identifying vital water reduction strategies.

From the state’s development promise to the uncertain lives of farmers in eastern Thailand

This research paper aims to examine the state's development promise in relation to the Eastern Economic Corridor development (EEC) project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The study utilized a qualitative approach and ethnographic research to collect data on the operation of the EEC project and its impact on people's livelihoods. The key informants, who were actively involved in the movement for farm safety, were 25 farmers from a farmers network in Kabinburi district, Prachinburi province, and Phanom Sarakham district, Chachoengsao province. The study found that the EEC project has been a crucial development undertaking in Thailand since 2017. The Thai state has promised that the EEC project will provide a better future for the people, stating that the operation of the project will focus on investing in infrastructure, providing investment privileges, eliminating investment barriers, and establishing a centralized authority. However, the local people's experiences with the EEC project demonstrate the formation of unequal power relations that have led to an uneven distribution of the project's benefits. Although local communities are hopeful that the EEC project will provide access to new markets, they still fear the uncertainty of their lives due to various state mechanisms established in the project, which prevent them from participating in the local decision-making process. Some local farmers have experienced an expansion of factories and waste disposal plants, causing fear of pollution on farms, and other non-agricultural land use activities in the EEC backyard, or peripheral areas of the EEC project.

Innovation Improvement of the Elderly’s Quality of Life in Eastern Economic Corridor through the Folk Sports Wisdom

According to the increase of elderly population, the development of quality of life of the elderly is essential. So, the researcher decided to create innovations in improving the effective quality of life of the elderly in Eastern Economic Corridor through the folk sports wisdom. The sample was 90 elderly aged between 60-84 years old of the Ban Bueng Municipal elderly school and the elderly school of Map Phai Subdistrict Administration Organization, Ban Bueng district, Chonburi province, participated in innovative activities which created by the research team for a period of 5 weeks, 1 day for 3 hours. Statistical analysis included Frequency, Percentage, Mean, and Standard Deviation. The results showed that satisfaction on innovations in improving the effective quality of life of the elderly, in terms of location, equipment, and facilities, in terms of staffs organizing activities, and management and operations were at the highest level as well as the quality of life of the elderly after participating in activities, in terms of environment, physical and mental health was good while the social relations was at a moderate level. The elderly was satisfied with their own lives, worked well and got around by themselves, and built good social relationship among friends, and also chose age-appropriate recreational activities.

Enhancing Logistics Performance through Organizational Factors: An Empirical Investigation of Automotive Spare Parts Manufacturers in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Enhancing Logistics Performance through Organizational Factors: An Empirical Investigation of Automotive Spare Parts Manufacturers in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Adaptation of Road Goods Transportation Entrepreneurs to Enhance Firm's Performance in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Areas of Thailand

Adaptation of Road Goods Transportation Entrepreneurs to Enhance Firm's Performance in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Areas of Thailand

Assessing the viability of enhancing logistics and supply chain operations: a case study of the Eastern Economic Corridor

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) rail project on Thailand’s logistics and supply chain operations using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Pearson’s correlation analysis reveals a negative correlation of −0.3354 for economic factors and a positive correlation of 0.3179 for logistic performance, indicating a moderate to strong negative correlation with the EEC line’s progress. Survey results show that 62.30% of respondents live in urban areas of Chonburi or Rayong. Transportation preferences indicate that 72.13% use a single mode, mainly private cars, with public transport rarely used (1.64% daily) and typical travel times of 30 minutes to an hour for 60.66%. Awareness of the HSR project is low, with over 57% unfamiliar, but 54.10% strongly agree on its importance for regional economic growth. Feasibility studies show 54.10% find it highly feasible to use HSR, expecting benefits in job creation, tourism, and business opportunities. Environmental and social concerns suggest affordable pricing, targeted job creation, and support for vulnerable groups to ensure social equity. Recommendations include improving transport integration, fostering economic and social equity, and prioritising environmental sustainability to support Thailand’s long-term development goals.

Factors affecting the future utilisation of high-speed train services in Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)

The high-speed rail project connecting three airports stands as a pivotal public transportation initiative, strategically designed to enhance economic growth within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), Thailand. This study focuses on examining the factors influencing the future utilisation of this project. Mueang Chon Buri district, positioned at the heart of the EEC, is chosen as a case study. Data is then collected through a stated preference survey involving 400 randomly individuals, and a binary logistic regression model is constructed for the analysis. The results reveal that individuals with larger households and personal vehicles are less inclined to choose high-speed train services in the future, with probabilities of usage being 48.5% and 55.5% lower, respectively, compared to those with smaller households or without personal cars. To address this trend, service providers should undertake comprehensive public relations efforts and consider different pricing strategies. These measures have been found to enhance the likelihood of high-speed train usage by 3.097 and 1.411 times. In addition, the study also found crucial factors for successful high-speed train services, including station facilities, system reliability, efficient train schedules, and reduced travel time throughout the trip (emphasising seamless connections with other modes of transportation). Effective implementation of these factors could enhance public acceptance and usage of the high-speed train service in the region by 1.659, 2.089, 1.729 and 1.496 times, respectively.

Occurrence, transport and sources of metals and metalloids in the Bangpakong River in the eastern economic corridor area of Thailand

The occurrence of elements in river water is affected by various factors, including mobility, weathering and transport processes and anthropogenic contributions. A total of six water sampling campaigns were conducted from 2021 to 2022 to study the factors affecting the occurrence of twelve elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Se) in the Bangpakong River. The total concentrations of all the elements were within the levels set by the national surface water quality standard. Comparisons of dissolved elemental concentrations in the study area with the global average for dissolved elemental concentrations in pristine rivers indicated contamination with Al, As, Co, Mn, Zn and Se in the river water. Based on the percentage of each element in particulates to the total concentration, Al (80.6 %), Cr (71.9 %), Cu (69.9 %), Fe (95.6 %), Mn (76.6 %), Pb (74.7 %), and Zn (70.6 %) were mainly transported in the particulate phase in both the dry and wet seasons. However, As (65.5 %), Co (60.3 %), and Se (77.6 %) were mainly transported in the dissolved phase in both seasons. The ratios of the dissolved Se concentration in river water to the Se concentration in the Earth's crust indicated significant and high mobility, especially in downstream sites, likely due to Se leaching from alluvial sediments. Seawater intrusion is likely the cause of As and Zn contamination in the dry season. Weathering of rocks and soils likely causes Al, Co, and Mn contamination in the wet season. The anthropogenic sources of contamination include the discharge of Mn and Zn from fertilizers in agriculture and the use of formulated feed in aquaculture. Approximately 52.98, 25.23, 5.68 and 0.63 tons of Fe, Al, Mn and Zn, respectively, are estimated to be transported from the river into the Gulf of Thailand each year.

Health risk assessments and source apportionment of PM2.5-bound heavy metals in the initial eastern economic corridor (EEC): A case study of Rayong Province, Thailand

This study aimed to determine the metals in ambient PM2.5 in the expanding industrial metropolitan area of Rayong Province for health risk assessment and source apportionment from May 2022 to April 2023, covering wet and dry seasons. The mean annual PM2.5 concentration was 15.2 ± 12.0 μg m−3, whereas that of wet and dry seasons were 8.4 ± 5.4 μg m−3 and 21.8 ± 12.9 μg m−3, respectively. The annual PM2.5 level exceeded the limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) (5 μg m−3) and the standard of Thailand (15 μg m−3). A substantial decrease in the Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, and K concentrations was observed during the wet season compared with that of the dry season. The levels of annual Cr in PM2.5 were 40 times higher than the WHO limit. Cd, Pb, and Zn are tracers of anthropogenic activities. Using the enrichment factor (EF) and Igeo, the contamination of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn suggested that the initial Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Rayong Province was highly polluted. The results of the non-carcinogenic risk indicated that human health was notably affected by toxic metals in PM2.5, and the Cr-related carcinogenic risk in PM2.5 exposure suggested a safe or reasonable risk level (10−6 to 10−4). Exposure to toxic metals in PM2.5 increases the risk of developing cancer in adults, potentially owing to the accumulation of these metals within the tissues in the body. Positive matrix factorisation (PMF) suggested that the source apportionment of PM2.5-bound heavy metals was motor vehicles (34.7%), industrial activities (26.3%), biomass burning (22.7%), and road dust (18.5%).

Smart City Development in Eastern Economic Corridor from the Perspective of Industrial Sector

Objectives: This research aims to study the development of smart cities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) area from the perspective of the industrial business sector and develop a structural equation model. Theoretical framework: The study is based on the 20-year National Strategy, which emphasizes smart city development as an approach to distribute economic, social, and technological prosperity, particularly in areas of economic importance to the country, such as the EEC. Methods: The research was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data was collected from questionnaires administered to 500 executives in the target industrial businesses of the EEC, employing descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multivariate statistics. Results and Conclusion: The research findings reveal that the development priorities are ranked into four components: 1) Enterprise Management (= 4.34), 2) Community Operation (= 4.33), 3) Public Administration (= 4.32), and 4) City Regulation (= 4.26). The hypothesis testing results show that existing high-potential industrial businesses (First S-Curve) and future industrial businesses (New S-Curve) place significantly different importance on the development of smart cities in the EEC area at a statistical significance level of 0.05. The developed structural equation model meets the assessment criteria and is consistent with the empirical data. Implications of the research: The findings of this study can inform policymakers and stakeholders in the EEC area about the key components and priorities for smart city development from the perspective of the industrial business sector. The structural equation model can serve as a framework for guiding smart city development efforts in the region. Originality/value: This research contributes to the understanding of smart city development in the context of the EEC area in Thailand, focusing on the perspective of the industrial business sector. The developed structural equation model provides a novel approach to analyzing the relationships between various components of smart city development in the region.

THAILAND’S JOURNEY WITH CHINA’S BELT AND ROAD: A NINE-YEAR ODYSSEY UNDER GENERAL PRAYUT’S LEADERSHIP (2014-2023)

This article examines Thailand’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) during General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s government between 2014 and 2023. The study underscores the aftermath of the 2014 coup, which saw a surge in the Sino-Thai relationship. Notably, the Prayut government hastily announced a commitment with Beijing for the ambitious 608-kilometer Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project, a key component of the BRI rail network connecting Kunming through Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Substantial progress was anticipated for the high-speed rail project once the first phase of construction connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai gained approval through an executive decree in 2017. However, as of May 2023, only 3.5 kilometres of the proposed 608-kilometer rail track had been completed, raising questions about the government’s commitment. Meanwhile, BRI-related projects have expanded, including the development of high-speed rail connections between Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, as well as investments in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The study delves into the complexities of the Prayut government’s foreign policy decisions and their implementation. It examines how international and domestic factors influenced the formulation and subsequent execution of the BRI projects in Thailand. This research offers valuable insights into the intricate interplay between international negotiations and domestic politics, shedding light on the dynamics of the Sino-Thai BRI partnership.

Community development strategies to meet challenges of potential impacts of rapid economic development in Thailand

ABSTRACT In 2018, the Thai Government proposed industrial investment in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). This research aimed to identify ways for a community to safely voice their concerns about the perceived impacts of rapid economic policy under an authoritarian regime. Practice-theories of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Participatory Development Practice (PDP) guided community facilitators. Research methods included in-depth interviews, observation, and a consensus conference with key stakeholders. The results suggest that ABCD assisted the community in identifying physical and social capacity and cultural values as assets. PDP helped stakeholders to 1) raise awareness about inconsistency with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); 2) engage young people in voicing their concerns; and 3) achieve greater collaboration. The research showed that community development approaches can aid government policy implementation processes, to enable consistent achievement across the SDGs.

Sociospatial relations through development projects: the alignment of Thailand’s EEC and China’s BRI

ABSTRACT The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is an endeavor to promote Thailand’s development in multiple industries in its eastern coastal areas through strengthening its links with overseas. The project has unfolded through close alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This paper discusses what roles the EEC plays in economic development, and how the alignment of the EEC and the BRI reshapes brings about sociospatial changes. It is based on qualitative research, involving interviews with experts from Thailand and China and secondary data analysis. Drawing on the TPSN framework, this paper unpacks the multi-dimensional changes in sociospatial relations brought by the EEC’s alignment with the BRI, reflecting the mutual interests of and local contestations between Thailand and China. First, the flourishing of the EEC hinges upon opening up Thailand’s borders to China through new railways and new immigration rules. Second, the EEC represents a new scale of governance which allows the Thai government to negotiate with local interests in pursuing its economic vision with China. Third, the development of specific places along the EEC, such as Pattaya, has been reoriented to their new economic potential under closer Thailand-China ties. Lastly, international business networks in Thailand are reshaped as new interdependencies between Thailand and China are forged by Chinese investors in the EEC.

Strategy development for domestic water use reduction in special economic zone of Thailand through water user perception and factor analysis

Ensuring a reliable water supply is critical for the success of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Development Plan, a pivotal initiative aimed at boosting the country’s GDP. To address water limitations and high activity density in the pilot area, the EEC has implemented a policy to reduce water usage across all sectors, with a specific emphasis on the domestic sector. However, the complex nature of consumption patterns and diverse perspectives among domestic user present challenges to implementing effective top-down strategies for water management. This study employed a mixed-methods approach to investigate residents' and service sectors' perspectives on water management in the EEC. A questionnaire administered to 621 respondents, coupled with Principal Components Analysis, identified key factors influencing domestic water management: 1) the efficiency of water management and services, 2) community awareness and participation in addressing water issues, and 3) access to clean water services. The findings revealed that respondents perceived an unstable accessibility to clean water and services, coupled with low participation in water management. A notable inconsistency arose between respondents' perception of their water consumption and actual water use calculated from billing records, indicating an underestimation of their own water usage. With an average water consumption exceeding 200 L per capita per day, this poses a significant challenge compared to regional norms. In discussions with communities, participating in efficient water usage strategies was found to be more challenging than reduction-focused approaches. Moreover, there was a recognition and acceptance of wastewater recycling, contingent on water quality and appropriate usage objectives.

The development of a depressive disorder management model amongst Thai labours in the Eastern Economic Corridor (ECC)

Depression is a barrier to the human workforce. However, the lack of major policies and guidelines for depression disorder in Thailand hinders healthcare workers from addressing this issue. Therefore, this research examines ways to develop depressive disorders in laborers. This study used a qualitative approach to examine the context of depression management in labor. The results of this study presented factors related to depression management from individual to organizational contexts. This finding suggests that stakeholders should take the first step of depression prevention outside healthcare services.

The performance impact of digital technology adoption in procurement: A case study of the manufacturing industry in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Thailand

The procurement process is part of Purchase to pay (P2P) that consumes huge company costs. There are many procedures that need to be performed related to data. Without digital technology it might cause human error which will lead to issues in higher cost and will create a lot of delay in the procurement process. To improve procurement performance, selecting the right technologies that will create performance impact is quite a challenging task for the company. This study aims to examine the impact of digital technology adoption on procurement performance and to examine the mechanism through which digital technologies impact procurement performance. Target groups are medium and large manufacturing companies in the Eastern economic corridor, Thailand. In research findings, there is data supporting our hypotheses that digital technology adoption in procurement has a positive impact on procurement performance in cost and cycle time reduction. As a result of the moderation effect, reducing human errors, data availability and responsiveness moderated the positive impact between technology adoption and procurement cost reduction. The effect between technology adoption and procurement cycle time reduction has positively been mediated by reducing human errors and data availability. However, responsiveness rejected the hypothesis that mediates the relationship between technology adoption and procurement cycle time reduction.

Pursuing the efficient operation of the primary healthcare hospitals in Thailand through efficiency assessment using the data envelopment analysis method.

This study aimed to assess the operational efficiency of Sub-District or Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals (THPHs) in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and to propose management guidelines for future improvements. The current state of Thailand's public health demonstrates that government policy has prioritized equal access to public health services in all areas. This increases the need for primary public health services, yet resources are limited and cannot be increased to meet the growing demand. The only effective way to address this issue is to develop the efficiency of public health operations. The sample consisted of 104 THPHs in Chachoengsao, a province in Thailand's EEC. Data for five input and seven output variables were collected between September 18 and November 15, 2023. An online survey was conducted to gather the required data for fiscal year 2022. Data envelopment analysis was used to measure the efficiency of THPHs. The average efficiency index of the 104 THPHs was 0.9066, with about 60% having an efficiency index of 1.00. When classified by size, it was found that the efficiency levels of the THPHs grew with size, considering that the average efficiency index of the small, medium, and large THPHs was 0.8642, 0.9140, and 0.9417, respectively. The proportion of efficient THPHs also increased with size, at 58.14%, 60.00%, and 66.67%, respectively. Regarding efficiency improvement targets, small THPHs had the highest output targets (28.40%), followed by medium THPHs (15.31%) and large THPHs (9.91%). For the inefficient THPHs, some management guidelines were made to improve their future performances.

Strategy for Developing the Quality of Education According to Demand that Meets the Needs of Manpower in the Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

Strategy for Developing the Quality of Education According to Demand that Meets the Needs of Manpower in the Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

A Centrally Driven Place-Based Economic Development Strategy: A Local Perspective of Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor

We contrast place-based economic development strategies (PBEDS) in Thailand and in economically advanced countries. Through government initiatives, PBEDS focuses on improving economically underdeveloped areas' economic conditions. Thailand's PBEDS began in 1959 to develop the impoverished Northeast region, focusing on agricultural improvements. Since 1970, infrastructure and industrial development zones have been the main strategies to attract foreign investment for export-oriented growth. In economically advanced countries, the primary purpose of PBEDS is to reduce regional economic disparity. However, as they are implemented in Thailand, they increase regional inequality as development is concentrated in and around Bangkok. Thailand's latest PBEDS is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) project in three eastern provinces. The national government oversaw the EEC and granted the EEC Office special powers to streamline investment approvals, although local governments have no formal role. We contrast Thailand's top-down PBEDS with approaches in other countries that emphasize local decision-making and leveraging regional assets. Thailand's policies focus on national growth, while international evidence suggests that locally-led PBEDS more effectively address regional disparities and increase national output. Thailand should empower local governments, coordinate with them, and invest in poorer regions. At the same time, the EEC may promote growth, but its centralized approach risks misaligning with local needs. A balanced strategy accounting for local contexts could better lift Thailand economically.