FPL-Sophonpanich-Rojana Joint Venture Creates Araya Gateway, Thailands First Industrial and Innovation City

At the beginning of 2025, one of the biggest news stories of the first quarter will be the launch of a new industrial estate. However, what makes this project stand out is its shareholdersthree major business giantswho have come together under the brand "Araya the Eastern Gateway" on a combined land area of 4,631 rai.

Joint Venture of Three Thai Business Giants

This project is a joint venture, with FPL, operating under Frasers Property Thailand Public Company Limited (FPT), holding a 50% stake, Rojana Industrial Estate Group holding 25%, and Asia Industrial Estate Group, owned by Charlie Sophonpanich, also holding 25%.

This joint venture (JV) deal was not formed by chance; every aspect of the business plan and feasibility study had been carefully developed since 2017. In 2018, the major shareholders, the Charoen Group, bid for NPA land from the Department of Legal Execution and won the auction for 8,914 million baht. Notably, this land bank previously belonged to AQ Estate Public Company Limited (AQ), which had rebranded from its original owner, Krisdamahanakorn Group. At that time, the Department of Legal Execution listed the land size as approximately 4,300 rai. However, with the latest launch on February 17, 2025, the total land area is now 4,631 rai, indicating an additional land purchase.

This launch is particularly significant as it comes amidst global economic uncertainty, influenced by the Trump 2.0 administration. Looking ahead, there is no doubt that this industrial estate will attract both Thai and foreign investors, with investments expected to reach hundreds of billions of baht.

Thailands Rise as a Global Manufacturing Hub

Narit Therdsathirasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), shared insights into Thailands growing investment landscape. In 2024, BOI issued investment promotion certificates to investors from the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and other countries, totaling 1.1 trillion bahtthe highest in 10 years. This covered 3,000 projects, the highest number since BOIs establishment in 1966 (58 years ago).

"Thailand is ready in every aspect. Aside from a skilled workforce, another crucial factor for investment decisions is land availability. Investors seek land in strategic locations with seamless connectivity to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), complete with utilities and developer services. Moreover, they look for an ecosystem that attracts talent. The Araya project meets these demands exceptionally well, as it is not just an industrial estate but an innovation hub for integrated modern industries."

Strategic Vision for National Growth

Panut Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of Frasers Property Limited (FPL Group), emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration:

*"We (the three partners) have a long-standing history of development. This area is a strategic asset to create opportunities for the country.

Asia Industrial Estate and Rojana have been developing this land bank together since 2017seven years in totalunder a shared vision to establish Thailands first integrated ecological industrial estate.

Frasers is honored to collaborate with partners who bring over 40 years of experience. With Frasers' expertise in full-cycle real estate development across 22 countries, we are confident in further enhancing this project.

For reference, the One Bangkok project took 14 years to develop, ensuring urban growth while improving quality of life. From today onward, Araya The Eastern Gateway is officially launched, and we welcome government collaboration to further drive Thailands economy toward a leading position in ASEAN."*

Seamlessly Connecting Bangkok and the EEC

Kamolkan Kongkathong, Managing Director of Araya Land Development Co., Ltd., detailed the projects concept as an integrated industrial and innovation city ecosystem spanning 4,631 rai. The vision is to pioneer a new industrial hub focused on innovation, advanced technology, and logistics integrationa first of its kind in Thailand.

Project Highlights

Location: Bangna-Trad Road, Km. 32A prime industrial area near Bangkok
Connectivity: Accessible via Motorway No. 7 (Bangkok-Chonburi), linking to the EEC and Laem Chabang Port within 60 minutes
Industries: Ideal for logistics, manufacturing, and international trade

Araya The Eastern Gateway: A New Industrial City Ecosystem

The project has been designed with six core components:

• Industrial Tech Campus

A hub for advanced industries and technology, including a Data Center with modern infrastructure to support future business growth.

• Logistics Park

Dedicated space for logistics companies, warehouses, and distribution centers.

• ARAYA Industrial Estate

The estate is planned in two phases:

- Phase 1: 2,000 rai
- Phase 2: ~1,000 rai

Accommodates large-scale manufacturers (100-300 rai plots) and SMEs (15-20 rai plots).
Classified as a purple-zone urban plan to support industrial investments, in partnership with the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) for tax and investment incentives.

• Lifestyle & Amenities

Retail and lifestyle facilities designed to enhance quality of life.

• Community Services Centre

A service hub featuring a public park, jogging track, and futsal field.

• Residential Project

Developed by FPT, offering housing for professionals, specialists, and executives to promote a Work-Live-Play lifestyle, reducing commuting needs.

Shaping the Future of Thailands Industrial Sector

The Araya brand name represents civilization and prosperity, aligning with the projects mission to drive innovation, foster business growth, and create a forward-thinking industrial city.

"Araya" Symbolizes progress and is easy to pronounce for both Thais and foreigners.
"The Eastern Gateway" Reflects its strategic location as the gateway to Thailands Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Investor Opportunities & Future Outlook

Project Status: Open for investor reservations
Land Delivery: From 2026 onwards
Target Industries: Semiconductor & electronics, electric vehicles (EV), pharmaceuticals & medical supplies, logistics, and data centers

*"Araya The Eastern Gateway is not just another industrial estateit represents a new era of industrial and business real estate, integrating innovation and sustainability.

With our strong investment backing, deep expertise, and vast customer networks, we are confident in the project's success. Our goal is to create positive economic, social, and environmental impacts, setting new benchmarks for Thailands industrial development."*


Credit: https://www.prachachat.net/property/news-1754322