A recently approved $45 billion investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) is set to solidify the country’s position as ASEAN’s regional aerospace hub. “As one of the most visited countries in the world year after year, Thailand is ready to embrace its future as the most significant aerospace hub in the ASEAN region,” says Mr. Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary General of Thailand Board of Investment. “The passing of the EEC bill is an exciting development, and we look forward to our country’s aerospace sector continuing its meteoric growth in the coming years.”

The Eastern Economic Corridor bill will earmark these funds for the general development of the region, including, most notably, U-Tapao’s future Aeropolis – an entire city infrastructure built around said airport – and will likely help Thailand surpass the USD $9.3 billion of foreign investment the country drew in 2017 for the EEC. The earmarked funds will also cover the construction of a motorway, deep sea ports, a high-speed railway linking the country’s three major airports (Suvarnabhumi, U-Tapao, and Don Mueang), and other infrastructural developments.