On 6 March 2020, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee of Thailand endorsed the water management plans for both the short and long terms. The EEC currently is Thailand’s current flagship project spanning Chon Buri, Rayong, and Chachoengsao provinces, and targeting 12 industries. It aims to build on the success of the Eastern Seaboard development project under which the region saw success in petrochemical, automobile, and electronic industries. The government plans to revitalize the provinces turning them into a hub for technological Manufacturing and services, with further enhanced connectivity to its ASEAN neighbors by land, sea and air.
For the short-term plan, the EEC Policy Committee specified three water projects comprising of (1) water diversion from Khlong Sapan to Prasae reservoir in Rayong, (2) water diversion from Khlong Luang in Chachoengsao to Bangphra reservoir in Chon Buri, and (3) water diversion from Wang Tanode in Chanthaburi to Prasae reservoir. The first project is estimated to supply 150,000 cubic meters a day, while the second project can supply 3 million cubic meters a day. The third water diversion is estimated to help supply 10-35 million cubic meters a day.
As for the long-term plan, from 2020 to 2037, a budget of almost THB 53 billion (USD 1.6 billion) has been allocated for 53 projects to develop water resources in the area, including the conversion of seawater into freshwater and the involvement of businesses to build and develop a water reserve system.
(Sources: National News Bureau & Public Relations; Bangkok Post)
