Leaders of the Future Forward Party criticized the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor project, saying it will do little to improve the quality of life for most Eastern Seaboard residents.
Speaking at a June 30 forum at the Redemptorist Vocational School for People with Disabilities, party chief Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit told the 1,000 people attending that the forum was organized to gather complaints about stray animals, garbage, tap water, fishing, land, agriculture, and alien labor – problems that affect people in daily life.
Information gathered would help the party develop its legislative agenda in the new parliament.
Future Forward’s “Eastern Life Corridor” policy stands in stark contrast to the EEC begun under the junta and continued by coup leader and now Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha.
The EEC focuses on garnering foreign investment in new technologies and factories, but will do nothing to help the East’s fishermen, farmers and unskilled laborers, Thanathorn said.
Aircraft parts and biotech will bring no advantage to average people and only enrich those with wealth, power and influence, he added.
Meanwhile, average people are dealing with problems with basic utilities, garbage, the environment, public transport and agriculture, Thanathorn said. The Future Forward Party plans to work to help deal with everyday problems, he said.