PATTAYA, Thailand – Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat and Mr. Anouj Mehta, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Thailand, signed a loan agreement worth USD 68.74 million (approximately 2.44 billion baht). The funds will be used to finance the construction of a key motorway extension under Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) infrastructure plan.
The loan will support the expansion of Motorway No. 7, linking Pattaya–Map Ta Phut to U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong Province. The new section will feature a four-lane elevated roadway and upgrades to surrounding infrastructure, including improved connectivity with Highway No. 3 (Sukhumvit Road). Once completed, the extension will reduce the travel distance to U-Tapao Airport from five kilometers to just 1.92 kilometers.
This major infrastructure project aims to boost the efficiency of transportation in the region, ease traffic congestion near the airport, and solidify U-Tapao’s role as Thailand’s third commercial international airport. It also supports climate-resilient infrastructure development goals.
The ADB loan is structured with a 12-year repayment term, including a four-year grace period. The interest rate is variable, based on SOFR plus applicable spreads and adjustments. Disbursement must be completed by December 31, 2029.
The Finance Ministry emphasized the project’s multi-dimensional benefits to the country, including reduced travel time, enhanced regional logistics, and a stronger foundation for economic growth through improved infrastructure in the EEC.
