Site selection is a critical step for Chinese enterprises building factories in Thailand, and the choice of industrial park directly determines policy benefits, operating costs, and growth potential. In 2026, the three most popular core industrial parks among Chinese companies—Rayong Industrial Park, Chonburi Industrial Park, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)—each offer distinct advantages and positioning, making it difficult for many businesses to decide. This article provides a detailed comparison across four key dimensions: policy incentives, land costs, supporting infrastructure, and industry focus, helping Chinese enterprises make precise site selections and avoid common pitfalls.
First, the three differ in core positioning to precisely match different types of Chinese enterprises:
1. Rayong Industrial Park, Thailand: A hub for Chinese enterprises specializing in manufacturing. As the top choice for Chinese companies setting up factories in Thailand, the park focuses on automotive parts, electronics manufacturing, mechanical processing, and steel structure facilities. It hosts a large concentration of Chinese firms with a complete supply chain ecosystem and convenient language support (comprehensive Chinese services), making it ideal for first-time entrants seeking to quickly integrate into the local market.
2. Thailand Chonburi Industrial Park: A logistics hub featuring a dual core of "logistics + manufacturing." Located on Thailand's eastern coast near Laem Chabang Port, it offers convenient transportation for enterprises requiring frequent import/export of raw materials and finished goods. Ideal for industries such as steel structure construction material processing, logistics warehousing, and import/export manufacturing.
3. Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): A premium industrial zone focused on "new energy, advanced manufacturing, and the digital economy." As a core area prioritized by the Thai government, it offers the most favorable policies but also has the highest entry barriers. It is best suited for Chinese enterprises with significant investment capital and high technological capabilities, such as those establishing electric vehicle manufacturing plants or developing and producing high-end steel structures.
Next, a detailed comparison across four core dimensions for quick reference:
[Policy Incentives]: EEC Eastern Economic Corridor > Rayong Industrial Park > Chonburi Industrial Park. EEC园区 offers the highest BOI incentives (8 years corporate income tax exemption + 15% construction subsidy), plus exclusive EEC policies (e.g., streamlined approvals, benefits for foreign talent). Rayong Industrial Park, a hub for Chinese investment, qualifies for mid-tier BOI incentives (5-8 years tax exemption) and additional China-focused support programs. Chonburi Industrial Park primarily offers standard BOI incentives (5 years tax exemption), with a focus on logistics-related benefits.
[Land Cost]: Chonburi Industrial Park > EEC Eastern Economic Corridor > Rayong Industrial Park. Due to its proximity to the port, Chonburi Industrial Park has the highest land rent and sales prices, with industrial land ranging from 200 to 240 MYR per sq. ft. Land in the EEC zone is moderately priced, approximately 180 to 220 MYR per sq. ft. Rayong Industrial Park offers the lowest land costs, around 150 to 190 MYR per sq. ft., with additional discounts available for bulk leases.
[Supporting Facilities]: All three parks offer comprehensive support but with distinct focuses. Rayong Industrial Park is best suited for Chinese enterprises, featuring Chinese-language services, Chinese hospitals, employee dormitories, and a complete supply chain for steel structure factories. Chonburi Industrial Park emphasizes logistics, offering dedicated freight corridors and warehousing facilities to reduce logistics costs. The EEC Zone provides the most premium amenities, including high-end offices, R&D centers, and international schools, making it ideal for advanced industrial布局.
[Industry Fit]: Roayong Industrial Park is ideal for small-to-medium manufacturing enterprises, steel structure factory projects, and automotive parts manufacturers. Chonburi Industrial Park suits logistics and warehousing, import/export manufacturing, and steel structure building material processing. EEC Zone fits large-scale new energy enterprises, high-end manufacturing, and R&D-focused companies.
Finally, location recommendations for Chinese enterprises: If you're new to Thailand and planning a steel structure factory or manufacturing project, choose Rayong Industrial Park first—low entry barriers, full infrastructure, strong Chinese business community, and lowest risk. For logistics or import/export operations, prioritize Chonburi Industrial Park for its convenient transport network that reduces operating costs. If you have a large investment budget targeting high-end industries, select the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) to maximize policy benefits.
Additionally, when selecting a site: regardless of the park chosen, verify that the land is zoned for industrial use and that supporting infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage, fire safety) meets requirements for steel structure factory construction. You can engage professional service providers (such as Liantai Construction) to assist with park screening and site evaluation throughout the process, ensuring the location aligns with your business needs and lays a solid foundation for future factory implementation.
Planning to build a factory in Thailand? Unsure which industrial park to choose, or need expert site selection assessment, steel structure construction, and end-to-end implementation services? Contact Liantai Construction. Our specialists will provide one-on-one consultation with complimentary industrial park recommendations and factory setup plans to help Chinese enterprises establish efficiently and compliantly in Thailand.