At the Space Ballroom 1-2 of the Grand Centre Point Space Pattaya Hotel in Chonburi, Dr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, presided over the opening ceremony of the Chonburi Real Estate Association’s Annual Seminar 2025, titled “EEC Vision: The Future of Bang Saen-Pattaya Twin Cities.”

Mr. Watthanapol Pholchawin, President of the Chonburi Real Estate Association, welcomed the members and participants before revealing the event’s purpose. He explained that the seminar aimed to enhance knowledge and update participants on the real estate situation in the EEC area, allowing members, real estate developers, and attendees to apply this information to enhance their businesses in preparation for future growth. The EEC region continues to attract both domestic and international investors.

Following this, the seminar’s discussion session titled “EEC Vision: The Future of Bang Saen-Pattaya Twin Cities” took place, featuring key speakers such as Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya, Mr. Narongchai Khunpluem, Mayor of Saen Suk Municipality, and Mr. Kris Chedsuriya, Advisor to the Board of Directors of Owner Group, a leading real estate developer with expertise in a variety of projects based in Pattaya.

Mr. Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya, shared that Pattaya benefits from a prime location, which the city has leveraged to fulfill its vision of becoming “A City for Everyone” and a world-class destination. Last year, over 24 million tourists visited Chonburi, with 80-90% of them heading to Pattaya. He also emphasized the city’s use of digital data systems to address issues such as flooding at 22 critical points, reducing them to just 9, and combating encroachments on public areas for development. Additionally, the long-awaited construction of the National Sports Center for the Eastern Region, with a capacity of 20,000 seats, is set to be completed during this administration.

Pattaya is also actively promoting itself as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) city. Efforts include improving the Jomtien Beach landscape with stormwater drainage pipes, additional parking spaces, updated walkways, and streetlights, as well as beach renourishment along a 6 km stretch. Moreover, the city has made significant progress on the construction of the Koh Larn Pier and undergrounding electrical and communication cables along 6 of the 9 routes.

In line with these efforts, Pattaya is working towards becoming a Smart City, with over 2,000 surveillance cameras integrated with the “Pattaya Connects” app for real-time traffic monitoring, along with a 24-hour call center. As for tourism, Pattaya organizes monthly events and collaborates with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and operators from Arab countries to build confidence and promote the city under the slogan “Pattaya City: Every Day is a Better Day.”

Mr. Narongchai Khunpluem, Mayor of Saen Suk Municipality, discussed the municipality’s development plans, including the construction of a 300-car parking facility behind the municipal office to alleviate traffic congestion. Additional plans include a landscape improvement project at the Bang Saen Lower Beach Multipurpose Area (Manahwa), landscape upgrades around the Bang Saen Roundabout, and new piers at Laem Thian, as well as enhancing the Rajanavy Bridge and multipurpose areas. Other projects include the installation of a Skywalk at Khao Sam Muk and recreational space improvements, including the construction of an air-conditioned gym.

Mr. Kris Chedsuriya, Advisor to the Board of Directors of Owner Group, also shared insights from the private sector, citing that foreign tourists are increasingly visiting Bang Saen and Pattaya. The top five countries of origin for foreign tourists visiting Thailand were China (6.7 million), Malaysia (4.9 million), India (2.1 million), South Korea (1.8 million), and Russia (1.7 million). The tourism revenue in 2024 totaled 2.62 trillion Baht, with Thai tourists making up 15 million visits to Bang Saen and Pattaya, second only to Bangkok.

In addition to tourism, Pattaya is seeing an influx of factory relocations, causing land prices to rise. The development of tourist piers will further boost Pattaya and Bang Saen’s growth potential. To ensure sustainable development, energy-efficient real estate projects that incorporate natural energy-saving methods are encouraged, along with community-based development. Mr. Kris also recommended promoting health tourism, which is a growing trend and would further diversify Chonburi’s tourism offerings.

The seminar concluded with a lecture titled “Thailand’s Economy at a Crossroad… Where Are the Opportunities?” by Mr. Misak Chunharakchote, former President of the Thai Real Estate Association, who shared insights with CREA members and seminar participants. The event wrapped up with the distribution of souvenirs and acknowledgments to supporters, with various companies setting up booths to offer valuable information to attendees.