In May 2020, VietnamPlus, citing the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), reported that Thailand's Industrial Estate Authority (IEAT) intended to build a seawater desalination plant for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The reverse osmosis plant was to produce 300,000 m³/day, be developed as a joint venture and allow later expansion. The EEC spans Rayong, Chon Buri and Chachoengsao provinces, home to 34 industrial estates with 6,033 factories. Severe drought prompted the plan. Budget and partners were due within months; a feasibility study had started in March.
The report showed that desalination in Thailand was first discussed as drought insurance for industry. At 300,000 m³/day, the project was sized ambitiously for a single economic region.
Source: VietnamPlus