The Transport Policy and Planning Office (OTP) has introduced the concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) around Pattaya Railway Station, focusing on 4 main zones aimed at elevating the city into a metropolis for the MICE industry, a tourist area, and a global shopping destination, all within a green urban community that promotes quality living.



           Mr. Rungsak Thongsom, Director of the Transport and Traffic System Development Division at the OTP, revealed that Pattaya City in Chonburi Province is a model city for developing areas around mass transit stations (TOD) in the eastern region.

           Pattaya is well-positioned to become an economic hub in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), serving as a major manufacturing base and the best investment location in the ASEAN region. It is also a gateway to ASEAN, particularly for China and India, with urban development and tourism investments amounting to 400 billion baht and 200 billion baht, respectively.

           The government also has policies to promote Pattaya as a central hub for trade and investment in key industries of the country and the ASEAN region, developing strong infrastructure and public utilities to compete internationally. This includes high-speed rail projects connecting three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao), light rail projects connecting to high-speed rail, and the expansion of U-Tapao Airport to accommodate 3 million passengers per year.

           Additionally, Pattaya is ready with international standard service businesses and world-class tourist attractions, ranking as the 18th global destination in 2018 with 14 million tourists, showing significant growth potential. It is also a center for trade, investment, and services, well-equipped in healthcare and education, and is one of the pilot areas for smart city development.

           Therefore, selecting Pattaya City in Chonburi Province for TOD development will enhance the value of investments in large-scale infrastructure, distribute prosperity, increase economic opportunities, and improve the quality of life for local residents, as well as for provinces in the eastern region. It will also be a crucial mechanism to support the overall economic growth of the country.

           According to preliminary studies, the area around Pattaya Station can be developed into 4 main zones: Zone 1, an office district that accommodates both economic activities and daily life harmoniously due to its proximity to the railway station, making it suitable for mixed-use development, including regional office buildings, government agencies, educational institutions, and retail stores to support both economic activities and residents' daily lives.

           Zone 2, a business and commercial center that drives a dynamic economy. Its location next to the station makes this area ideal for commercial development, including large regional shopping centers catering to international tourists, as well as business hotels to promote and support economic activities, trade, investment, tourism, and comprehensive services.

           Zone 3, a MICE City, fully equipped with Pattaya's potential and readiness as a world-renowned tourist city, experiencing an annual increase in tourist numbers and possessing strong infrastructure, making it highly suitable for development as a center for conferences, exhibitions, and seminars.

           This zone will host international convention and exhibition centers, hotels capable of accommodating large meetings, as well as budget hotels ready to meet all needs. Thus, Pattaya has high potential to develop into a MICE industrial metropolis.

           Zone 4, a residential community that is comfortable and conducive to quality living, with convenient transportation due to its proximity to the station, making this area suitable for developing quality residential neighborhoods, including both low-rise and high-rise affordable buildings within a good environment, featuring community retail shops and parks to enhance green spaces, complete with recreational facilities and safety, conducive to quality living.

           The factors for successful TOD development in Pattaya City, Chonburi Province, include the government establishing clear investment policy frameworks, support models, and legal provisions. There should be a central agency responsible for oversight and accountability, with revenue generation channels from area development.

           Moreover, all sectors should have financial tools to support various aspects of the project development and have fair investment models that align with the characteristics of TOD development in the area. Importantly, participation from all relevant sectors is essential. For more details, visit www.thailandtod.com.

Thank you for the information from www.thailandtod.com.