Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to ensure transparency regarding the proposed expansion of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into Prachin Buri province.
Mr. Natthaphong, leader of the People’s Party (PP), stated that residents were not opposed to economic development but sought assurances that the expansion would benefit local communities, prevent wealth from concentrating among a small number of businesses, and protect the environment. He said public confidence could only be restored if the government clearly demonstrated how it would address environmental concerns, industry grievances, and resident complaints.
Mr. Natthaphong called on Mr. Anutin, who chairs the EEC Policy Committee, to demonstrate political courage by using his power to push back against vested interests without central government backing. He stressed that local agencies would struggle to act against powerful interests without clear support from the central government.
Mr. Natthaphong also proposed using Prachin Buri’s 44-billion-baht provincial budget for fiscal year 2027 to develop an integrated IT and public data system that would allow residents to track complaints and identify “grey businesses.” He argued that the current bureaucratic process made it difficult for communities to monitor, and proposed a public dashboard through which residents could follow up on government actions.
These comments came as the Prachintanagkham Network (Strong Prachin) continued its protest against the EEC expansion for a second day in front of the Prachin Buri Provincial Hall. The network stated it would continue protesting until Mr. Anutin formally cancelled the expansion and issued a written decision.
Network leader Suthep Phromphanai said the group had submitted 11,207 signatures opposing the expansion on August 13 but had not yet received a written response.
Mr. Phithip, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister, stated that Prachin Buri had been proposed as an additional EEC province, alongside Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, and Rayong, which are covered by the existing EEC. He said the proposal was partly intended to improve labor access for workers traveling from the North.
Protesters also cited existing issues with industrial waste and water pollution, fearing the expansion could worsen public health and environmental impacts. They questioned whether public hearings and studies on the proposal had sufficiently provided for community participation.