EECiti near Pattaya: What Was Approved and What It Means for Property

EECiti is a planned new city in Huay Yai, in Bang Lamung district, inland and south-east of Pattaya. In June 2026 the board of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) approved a framework of about THB 72 billion for its basic infrastructure, to be built as a public–private partnership. It is the first large budget decision for the project since it was announced.

What was approved

• A private investment framework of about THB 72 billion for ten utility systems: power, water supply, wastewater and recycled water, water management, waste, digital networks, fire and disaster warning, roads for public transport, a shared utility rail line and central green spaces.
• A sports and entertainment complex on about 240 hectares, without a casino. The Sports Authority of Thailand and the EEC Office were asked to take it to the next stage as a public–private partnership.
• Tax measures for U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City south of Pattaya.

What is not decided yet

• Private investors. The tender has not taken place. Reports put it between early 2027 and 2028, with construction starting in 2028.
• The full budget. THB 72 billion covers infrastructure only. Earlier official estimates for the whole city ranged from THB 1.1 to 1.34 trillion, with completion around 2037.
• A theme park. Officials have mentioned one, but it is not confirmed.

How to read this as a buyer

EEC megaprojects take longer than announced. The high-speed rail line linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports was signed in 2019 and is still not running. EECiti is a reason to watch the area south-east of Pattaya over the next ten years, not a reason to pay more today.

If the plan goes ahead, the areas closest to Huay Yai, such as Na Jomtien, Bang Saray and the inland roads east of Sukhumvit, would feel it first through new jobs and rental demand. Central Pattaya and Jomtien depend on it less: demand there comes from tourism and long-stay residents.

Our advice: buy a unit that makes sense without EECiti, with a good location, a sensible price and a realistic rent, and treat the new city as a possible bonus. See projects in Na Jomtien and Jomtien on the map.

Sources: decisions of the EEC Board, June 2026, as reported by The Nation and Pattaya Mail. This article is general information, not investment advice.