Government accelerates unlocking U-Tapao and Eastern Aviation City to draw 1.3 trillion baht in investment
Macro
The Cabinet has acknowledged urgent and necessary support measures to launch the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City development project, following a resolution of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, with the aim of making the measures effective by 30 September 2026. Key measures include allowing operators to deduct investment and operating expenses at twice the rate when calculating corporate income tax, permitting foreign nationals to work under the special EECa Visa, and reducing corporate income tax for international air transport operators. The package also includes guidelines for lowering registration fees for property leases and transfers, and studies on developing cruise terminals, yacht marinas, and feeder transport systems. The Eastern Economic Corridor Office estimates that these measures will help stimulate about 1.3 trillion baht in private investment over the project lifetime, create more than 63,701 jobs, attract around 400,000 additional foreign tourists per year, and add more than 37 billion baht to gross domestic product in the first year of operation.
