Sukhumvit Road and Economic Activities of Thai Economy in Eastern Thailand: 1940s to 1980s

Abstract

This article explains the development of Sukhumvit Road relating to economic characteristics of the eastern provinces. The study begins with circumstances which caused the expansion of transportation system in Thailand, especially Sukhumvit Road. The article analyzes the conditions that brought about economic changes motivated mainly by Sukhumvit Road, which has affected the whole production lines of both agriculture and industry in the eastern region. The study shows that Sukhumvit Road was built in the context of the development of Thai transportation system influenced by many internal and external causes. The most important reason was the economic support from the U.S. and the announcement of the National Economic and Social Plan during 1940s. And this brought about an expansion of routes blanketed the whole country. The construction of Sukhumvit Road stimulated the economic growth from the coast to the hinterland. The convenience of goods transfer also caused the production of new products for exportation such as cassava products, sugar cane and fruit gardening.