Thailand's eastern industrial hub eyes deeper economic ties with China to boost sustainable growth

RAYONG, Thailand, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's eastern industrial powerhouse of Rayong is positioning itself alongside neighboring Chonburi province as the premier destination for Chinese high-tech manufacturing, electric vehicles (EVs), and digital infrastructure within the country's Eastern Economic Corridor.

Speaking at a recent investment seminar attended by public officials and business leaders, Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat framed the current influx of Chinese capital as an extension of centuries-old historical ties, encouraging Chinese enterprises to view the province as a long-term partner for sustainable economic growth.

To secure long-term bilateral supply chains, Traiphop highlighted major multi-modal infrastructure projects advancing across the seaboard, including expansions at Rayong's Map Ta Phut deep-sea port and Chonburi's Laem Chabang port.

Aviation logistics are also being upgraded, with developments at U-Tapao International Airport aimed at matching the capacity of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport through 24-hour flight operations, he said.

Traiphop underscored that Chinese investment is already a primary driver of the local economy. In the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Zone alone, enterprises currently employ nearly 70,000 Thai workers.

Rayong now boasts the highest per capita income in Thailand, heavily anchored by a rapidly clustering Chinese manufacturing presence that includes major EV automakers such as BYD, Changan, and Chery, alongside battery, electronics, and auto-parts suppliers, he added.

To ensure sustainable foreign investments, the governor called on investors to adhere to local standards and work closely with authorities on building permits, zoning, and localized environmental monitoring for air, noise, and wastewater pollution.

The seminar, co-organized last Friday by the sustainable Thailand-China business coordination and promotion mechanism, called for closer collaboration between the public and private sectors to navigate regulatory frameworks and secure long-term growth.

During a group interview, Viboon Supakarapongkul, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, pointed to the expanding economic partnership between Thailand and China.

Viboon said Chinese investment inflows into Thailand have accelerated significantly over the past few years, underpinned by deep-rooted cultural and trade ties, robust local supply chains, and strong bilateral communication that helps investors navigate the regional market.

Technology and advanced manufacturing have emerged as the fastest-growing drivers of this investment wave. Viboon stressed that this influx goes beyond immediate manufacturing capacity, providing critical opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer to the local workforce.

By adopting and mastering these technologies, Thai industries can accelerate domestic capacity building and boost long-term competitiveness, he added.

Viboon affirmed that while private sector organizations stand ready to facilitate partnerships and build investor confidence, sustainable growth depends on clear policy direction from state authorities and an alignment of mutual interests.

Meaningful, lasting investment must deliver concrete advantages for the host country, foster tangible benefits for local communities through employment and shared prosperity, and generate viable returns for investors, he said.