# Thailand Eastern Economic Corridor expansion > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/thailand-eastern-economic-corridor-expansion > Updated: 2026-10-31T09:00:01.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, approved four new special economic promotion zones in Chonburi and Rayong provinces. These zones, covering 1,759 rai, include E-Tech Smart Park, New Horizon City, Phanat Nikhom, and Pluak Daeng. The initiative aims to attract investments exceeding 25,664 million baht by focusing on high-tech sectors such as modern automotive, robotics, digital industries, and aviation to help restructure the Thai economy. However, the expansion has faced scrutiny from local citizens and environmental academics. Concerns have been raised regarding industrial waste management in the eastern region, specifically citing reports of illegal dumping in Chonburi, Chachoengsao, and Prachinburi. Critics have also pointed to unresolved toxic waste issues, such as approximately 123,000 tons of residual waste in Rayong related to the Win Process case, questioning the decision to expand industrial areas while remediation efforts for existing waste remain ongoing. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: Thailand approves four new EEC special economic zones Thailand's government approved four new EEC special economic zones in Chonburi and Rayong, aiming to attract 25.6 billion baht in investment despite ongoing industrial waste management concerns. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thailand-approves-four-new-eec-special-economic-zones ### 2026-10-26: Thailand approves 4 new special economic zones in EEC Thailand's EEC Policy Committee has approved four new special economic zones in Chonburi and Rayong to boost investment in high-tech sectors like robotics, digital, and modern automotive industries. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/thailand-approves-4-new-special-economic-zones-in-eec --- Cite as: Thailand Eastern Economic Corridor expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/thailand-eastern-economic-corridor-expansion