Special Economic Zones in Thailand

Special Economic Zones in Thailand: Past, Present, and Future offers a comprehensive account of how Thailand has implemented place-based industrial policy—from the early Eastern Seaboard Programme to today’s Eastern Economic Corridor, border SEZs, and emerging economic corridors—to reshape its development trajectory. The book traces four decades of shifting strategies, political transitions, and global pressures that have shaped Thailand’s zones. Weaving together economic analysis and policy history, readers will gain a clear understanding of how SEZs operate in practice, what distinguishes successful zones from stalled ones, and how geopolitical change, trade tensions, and technological disruption are redefining the role of SEZs. The book also distils lessons from international experiences and highlights future risks—such as trade war and uneven regional development—that Thailand must confront as it will be foundation for future place-based policies. This book will be valuable for policymakers, economists, investors, and scholars seeking to understand Thailand’s evolving industrial landscape. It will also appeal to development practitioners and graduate students interested in industrial policy, regional development, and the future of SEZs in emerging economies.