The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) is preparing a 20-year master plan starting 2015 which is scheduled to be submitted to the National Reform Council (NRC) this month, says Anchalee Chavanich, IEAT president and strategic associate partner and member of the NRC.
The master plan will be the guideline for developing industrial estates, aiming to maximise the value of land and benefit the economy.
The 20-year master plan ending in 2035 will include phase two of the Eastern Seaboard Development covering three provinces — Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao — and the development of special economic zones covering five provinces — Sa Kaeo, Trat, Tak, Mukdahan and Songkhla.
Mrs Anchalee said the plan was also set to act as a guideline for state enterprises that own vast plots across the country to help them increase the value of the land and turn these non-performing assets to the benefit of the agencies.
Also under the master plan is the Southern Seaboard Development Project which will be designed to be an eco-energy complex. The government is looking for an appropriate location in Surat Thani, Satun and Songkhla to site the project.
These projects will also bring in foreign direct investment, said Mrs Anchalee. She said Thailand would need to expand the government complex to other areas to meet rising demand for office space over the next five to 10 years.
"The demand of government agencies is due to our connectivity to other Asean countries as integration will force us to increase capacity to serve demand from frequent activities, both domestically and regionally," said Mrs Anchalee.
Under the plan, a few strategic industries are set to be developed as hubs in Asean, given its great export potential. It should set up the cluster for the gem and jewellery industry in particular.
In addition, Thailand can be a centre for food or fuel as the country boasts strong alternative and renewable fuel production such as ethanol, biomass and biogas.
Tourism also has great potential, but the idea is to develop projects that will capture high revenue in locations such as Krabi and Phang Nga, she said. IEAT also plans to develop the three deep South provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani to serve as production centres for halal products.