The rising economic importance of the region is evident through the
central government's commitment to the region's infrastructure development.
Planners see the region as strategically important as it borders the gulf as well
as being close to Bangkok, and the airport.
Laem Chabang port, Thailand's largest and 20th busiest port in the
world as of 2008, is the region's port. Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport and
the port are all linked by the Bang Na Expressway tollway.
Two large infrastructure projects worth a total of 36 billion baht, both
railways, have been approved on October 23, 2007, to be built to railway links
up from Korat and Lat Krabang with Laem Chabang port.
Development of Eastern Seaboard
In addition, the Chon Buri Motorway, Thailand's first motorway,
also links the region with Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok. In
November 2007, Thailand's completed its second motorway, Bangkok's
Outer Ring Road.
The region is home to many huge industrial estates. Other than its
manufacturing and shipping industries, it also has a diverse service sector
consisting of the tourism, construction, and retail industries. Pattaya, the
major tourist city, is also located here, and is only second to Bangkok in
Thailand for the number of high rises. The region is also popular as a
retirement area for foreigners