The special economic zone committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has agreed to include Nong Khai in the first phase of SEZ development in addition to the other five locations already approved.
The panel also yesterday pledged to find affordable land plots for industrial factories and industrial estates as a way of speeding up SEZ development.
Prices of some private land plots rose by 5-10% once the government unveiled the SEZ locations.
"To attract the private sector both domestic and abroad to invest in the SEZs, the government's hand is essential, as some potential investors may feel the land prices are relatively expensive and no longer affordable," Gen Prayut said.
"If necessary, even land plots owned by the Treasury Department and denuded forests should be allocated for development."
Gen Prayut said Tak's Mae Sot district would probably be the first SEZ developed this year.
Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, said several leading private firms had shown interest in investing in SEZs including Charoen Pokphand Group, Thai Beverage, Amata Corporation, Saha Group and Mitr Phol.
The committee also agreed to let private firms propose locations for SEZ development if they could find their own appropriate land out of 1.83 million rai proposed in the government's plan.
"The government will consider proposals case by case and stands ready to support infrastructure development," Mr Arkhom said.
Any private business ready to invest in an SEZ can submit their proposal directly to the Board of Investment.
The National Council for Peace and Order last July designated five provinces for SEZs — Tak, Mukdahan, Songkhla, Sa Kaeo and Trat.
The SEZs will span 10 districts and 36 tambons with a combined area of 2,932 square kilometres.
Development will be carried out this year and next.
Mr Arkhom said the panel chose to add Nong Khai to the first phase of the SEZ plan because the province was a significant link in the planned 1.435-metre gauge rail network connecting Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut.
At yesterday's meeting, the Interior Ministry proposed other potential locations for the second phase of SEZ development including Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Panom, Narathiwat, Hat Yai in Songkhla, Bung Kan, Chiang Rai and Nan.
The committee also approved 45 infrastructure projects worth 2.6 billion baht for fiscal 2015 and 79 worth 7.9 billion baht for fiscal 2016. They mostly involve roads.