Thai Gov’t Unveils Master Plan for New Smart City Near Bangkok

A new smart city worth US$37 billion is expected to rise near Bangkok, with the aim of improving urban quality of life through technology. The smart city, the official name of which yet to be discussed, will encompass approximately 2,340 hectares.

The Thai government plans to build the smart city near the industrial hub where global firms invest more in automotives, robotics, health care and logistics industries.

The new city will be constructed in the Huai Yai subdistrict of Chonburi province, which sits 160 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, according to a report from Bloomberg on July 11. The master plan was approved by a panel led by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The project will feature five business centres for lease to companies in financial services, precision medicine, international research, and energy and 5G network markets, Eastern Economic Corridor Secretary-General Kanit Sangsubhan said.

The new city is projected to create 200,000 direct jobs and develop specific residential zones to accommodate roughly 350,000 employees by 2032.