Phiphat loses key EEC post

PM will take over, denies conflict

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has assumed direct oversight of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), replacing his deputy Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn.

The move follows cabinet acknowledgement of two orders removing Mr Phiphat, who also serves as the transport minister, from supervision of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) and from the chairmanship of the EEC Policy Committee. Media reports say the decision stemmed from discussions between Mr Anutin and Mr Phiphat last week.

Under the new arrangement, the prime minister will personally oversee all EEC-related matters and position himself as the lead promoter of Thailand's investment opportunities, using the EEC as a pilot project to attract foreign investors through a new strategic vision. Mr Anutin aims to develop the EEC into both a global food security hub and a regional data centre investment hub, the reports said.

Given the need for coordination across multiple agencies, the prime minister considered it necessary to bring the project under his direct supervision. The government sees potential in promoting the EEC as a centre for food security, citing the region's strengths in livestock, fisheries, agriculture, fruit production and horticulture. These sectors, the reports said, could become key attractions for international investment.

At the same time, the government believes the EEC can no longer rely primarily on traditional heavy industries because of constraints relating to electricity and water supplies, both of which entail high development costs. While data centres consume substantial amounts of electricity, the government has introduced a revised electricity tariff for Category 9 users, with rates higher than those applied to other categories.

The reports said Mr Phiphat himself had raised concerns about longstanding friction between the EECO and the Board of Investment (BOI), adding he preferred not to work amid such disputes and so proposed the prime minister assume direct responsibility. The reports also denied any link between the decision and Mr Phiphat's reported opposition to amendments to the contract for the high-speed rail project linking three airports -- Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao.

Mr Anutin, who is in Russia for the Asean-Russia summit running from June 16-19, confirmed on Wednesday he will personally oversee the EEC, saying the move does not reflect conflict or a reduction in Mr Phiphat's role. He said the EEC's transport and infrastructure systems are already well-prepared. The next stage, he said, is to market the project internationally to attract foreign investment in industrial estates, universities, and new business cities. He was better positioned to lead this phase due to his experience meeting world leaders, private sector executives, and global investors.

"This is about creating opportunities for business partnerships and using my international missions to present Thailand and the EEC as much as possible," he said. He said that the reassignment is not intended to diminish Mr Phiphat's responsibilities.

Speaking to reporters at Government House, Mr Phiphat said he had not been informed in advance of the orders and learned of them when they were read out during the cabinet meeting. Asked whether he had been unable to manage the EEC portfolio, he replied such questions should be directed to the prime minister.

Mr Phiphat also rejected speculation the decision reflected internal divisions in the ruling Bhumjaithai Party or was linked to disagreements over the three-airport rail project. "There are no cracks within Bhumjaithai," he said. "We can work together on all matters. Everyone has their own role, and I can perform any duty assigned to me."