Bangkok
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul firmly rejected allegations that Chinese investors are indiscriminately buying up land in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to establish illegal industrial estates, stating that all developments must comply with Thai law and that the government will further intensify a campaign against illegal nominee usage, especially for large land plots.
Speaking at Government House on Monday, July 6th, 2026, the Prime Minister, who also oversees the EEC, stated there is no evidence of such large-scale, unregulated activity by Chinese capital. He stressed that creating any industrial estate requires multiple layers of official approval, including zoning and regulatory clearances.
“If violations are found, we will punish them to the fullest extent,” Anutin said, using strong language to signal the government’s zero-tolerance stance. He explained ongoing enforcement actions against illegal practices, including nominee structures used to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions, citing recent crackdowns in Phuket and Ko Phangan in Surat Thani province as examples.
The remarks come amid rising scrutiny over surging Chinese investment in the EEC, which spans Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong provinces. Recent reports have discussed increased land purchases, questions about zoning compliance, and potential strain on utilities like water and electricity from new industrial park projects.
The EEC, a flagship initiative under Thailand’s Thailand 4.0 strategy, wants to transform the eastern seaboard into a high-tech manufacturing and innovation hub, attracting foreign direct investment with incentives such as tax breaks, land ownership rights for targeted sectors, and streamlined approvals. Chinese investors have shown strong interest in the zone, aligning with broader Belt and Road Initiative ties, but concerns have grown about potential loopholes, nominee arrangements (where Thai proxies hold land for foreigners), and impacts on local communities.
Authorities, including the Board of Investment (BOI), have clarified that foreign land rights are limited and all projects must adhere to Thai regulations. Nominees arrangements are strictly illegal and being cracked down on daily, especially where land is concerned.
Anutin also used the opportunity to affirm that the government supports foreign investment across the entire country, not just the EEC. “We promote investment nationwide,” he said, positioning the EEC as one component of a broader economic development strategy.
The Prime Minister has taken a more hands-on role in overseeing the EEC recently, wanting to market Thailand’s opportunities internationally while ensuring orderly development.
