The Special Economic Zone Watch Network also demanded that a Regulatory Impact Assessment be conducted on the proposed EEC Bill covering development in Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong.

It stressed that the bill would result in harm to livelihoods and the quality of life along the Eastern Seaboard.

In a statement, the network set out three demands. It asked the government to publicise the EEC Bill as required by Article 59 of the new Constitution, and have a neutral and independent agency conduct an impact assessment on the bill that is open to public participation.

It demanded that the government reconsider the bill “carefully”, especially a section granting privileges to investors, warning that the legislation would violate citizens’ and community rights.

The group stressed that if its demands were not met, it would file lawsuits against the government agencies involved.