Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council (TNSC), says the council believes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) remains one of Thailand's most strategic developments and a key competitive advantage in attracting investment.
The EEC's long-term success depends on the government's ability to keep major projects on schedule, ensure policy continuity, and foster a genuinely business-friendly environment, he noted.
With countries competing aggressively for investment, the speed of project execution, policy certainty, and government credibility are decisive factors for Thailand's long-term competitiveness, said Mr Dhanakorn.
He identified the continuity of government policy and confidence in the implementation of major infrastructure projects as the primary concerns regarding the high-speed rail project, rather than potential changes or contractual disputes.
"The EEC was established as Thailand's strategic development zone to upgrade industry, attract investment, and strengthen regional logistics connectivity. If major infrastructure projects are delayed, foreign investors are likely to postpone investment decisions because their long-term commitments depend on the availability of reliable supporting infrastructure," said Mr Dhanakorn.
While the high-speed rail project is not primarily a freight transport system, it plays an important role in connecting airports, cities and business hubs, he noted, enhancing mobility for investors, business executives and skilled professionals, while improving the efficiency of the zone's economy.
The private sector needs clarity about the rail project's direction and implementation timeline, said Mr Dhanakorn.
"Uncertainty imposes greater costs on investment decisions than changes to the project's design or format," he said.
Regarding the possible development of a medium-speed rail system by the State Railway of Thailand, the TNSC said the main issue is not maximum speed, but whether the project can be completed successfully, generate economic value, and begin operations within a reasonable time frame.
"If converting the project to medium-speed rail allows for faster progress, reduces the fiscal burden, and still provides efficient connectivity in the EEC, it should be seriously considered as a practical alternative," said Mr Dhanakorn.
Thailand should prioritise transport system efficiency over speed, as investors value reliability, punctuality, and the easing the cost of doing business, he noted.
To advance the EEC, Mr Dhanakorn suggested the government focus on building a comprehensive investment structure rather than relying primarily on tax incentives.
The government should accelerate all key infrastructure projects, including railways, roads, ports, airports and digital infrastructure, while maintaining clear implementation schedules and policy continuity, he added.
In addition, investment approval and licensing procedures should be modernised using a digital one-stop service to reduce bureaucracy, shorten processing times and improve transparency, said Mr Dhanakorn.
Workforce development should be aligned with targeted industries such as semiconductors, advanced electronics, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, robotics and aviation to ensure investors have access to skilled talent.
"The government should support Thai businesses, particularly small enterprises, in integrating into the supply chains of foreign investors to promote technology transfer and create greater value within the domestic economy," he said.
Expanding clean energy infrastructure, ensuring a stable electricity supply, and strengthening digital infrastructure are essential to supporting future industries, noted Mr Dhanakorn. The government should also maintain policy continuity while minimising regulatory uncertainty to preserve investor confidence.
