The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB) is calling on the Thai government to consider Ayutthaya as a prime logistics hub to support burgeoning investments, particularly in the wake of the Chinese-Thai high-speed rail system’s construction. As this railway network development progresses, Ayutthaya is positioned as a strategic location for boosting its logistics infrastructure.
The significance of this proposal lies in Ayutthaya’s connectivity through its well-established rail, road, and river transport networks. The JSCCIB envisions the creation of a state-of-the-art dry port in the province, capitalizing on its favorable geographic location. The region is already home to five industrial estates, making it a prime candidate for this strategic endeavor.
Phagorn Wangsirabat, Vice-Chairman of the provincial industry chapter under the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and a key member of JSCCIB, emphasized the potential for Ayutthaya to enhance its logistics capabilities, ultimately driving economic growth. With the increasing importance of logistics in today’s global trade landscape, this proposal seeks to unlock Ayutthaya’s untapped potential.
The Thai government is currently in the process of building the Thai-Sino high-speed rail system, a monumental project connecting Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, spanning an impressive 253 kilometers. This railway route traverses the historical city of Ayutthaya, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, which has raised concerns about potential adverse impacts on the city’s cultural and historical significance.
To address these concerns, the business sector, with the support of the JSCCIB, recommends relocating the high-speed train station to the Ban Ma sub-district, approximately 3-5 kilometers away from Ayutthaya station. This strategic shift provides ample space for the development of the proposed logistics hub and a goods distribution center.
The province of Ayutthaya is home to five industrial estates, including Hi-Tech, Rojana, Bang Pa-in, Nakhon Luang, and Wang Noi. These estates collectively support key industries such as automobiles, auto parts, electronics, and food processing. These sectors are responsible for a substantial portion of Ayutthaya’s GDP, contributing around 70% to its economy, and providing employment opportunities for over 330,000 workers.
Additionally, the proposal aligns with the growing interest of Chinese investors in the Thai food processing industry, fostering collaboration and joint ventures with Thai partners. Already, Chinese investors have acquired over 100 rai of industrial land for expanding their business ventures, indicating their confidence in the region’s potential.
The JSCCIB believes that Ayutthaya’s transformation into a logistics hub will not only stimulate the local economy but also strengthen Thailand’s position in the global trade arena. This strategic move will ensure that Ayutthaya continues to play a vital role in facilitating trade and commerce while preserving its rich historical heritage.
