What To Know
- The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has named Sumet Tangprasert as its new Governor, signaling a major shift in how the country deals with illegal industrial developments and dormant so-called “zero-dollar” factories.
- Beyond academia, he has held top positions in multiple private sector organizations and was previously invited to serve on prestigious government panels such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency, the Digital Council of Thailand, and the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.
Bangkok Business News: New Leadership to Tackle Industrial Chaos
The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) has named Sumet Tangprasert as its new Governor, signaling a major shift in how the country deals with illegal industrial developments and dormant so-called “zero-dollar” factories. The appointment, confirmed via a formal contract signed on July 2, 2025, grants Mr. Sumet a four-year term subject to performance reviews twice annually. If he meets the agency’s rigorous standards, he may be considered for an extension.
New IEAT Chief Plans to Crackdown on Rogue Industrial Zones
Image Credit: AI-Generated
According to IEAT insiders, Mr. Sumet has already spent the past 18 months as a board member and Acting Governor, giving him a detailed understanding of the system’s flaws. This Bangkok Business News report confirms that he’s prepared to hit the ground running, with a full strategic plan ready for implementation—pending formal approval from the IEAT board.
Targeting Illegal and Zero-Dollar Factories
Among his top priorities is a sweeping crackdown on unauthorized industrial estates and “zero-dollar industries”—a term used for facilities that exist only on paper, often serving illicit or tax-evading purposes. These ghost factories and shady industrial zones, Mr. Sumet emphasized, not only violate regulations but also damage the credibility of Thailand’s manufacturing sector on the global stage.
He stated that the IEAT must be more than just a regulatory body. It must become a guardian of industrial ethics, ensuring that development occurs alongside environmental sustainability and social responsibility. “Illegal operations undermine investor confidence and exploit natural resources. We will put an end to that,” he said firmly.
Modernizing Thai Industry for Global Competition
Mr. Sumet also outlined his broader mission to push Thailand’s industrial infrastructure into a new era—one defined by value-added production, advanced technologies, and innovative business models. His vision involves transforming IEAT into a central player that bridges public and private sector interests to lift Thailand’s industrial competitiveness.
“With cooperation from all stakeholders, we aim to create a vibrant, future-ready industrial ecosystem that supports long-term national growth and community wellbeing,” Mr. Sumet noted.
A Governor with Experience and Vision
At 48 years old, Mr. Sumet brings with him an impressive academic and professional background. He holds two doctoral degrees—one in Engineering from Thammasat University and another in Political Philosophy from Ramkhamhaeng University. Beyond academia, he has held top positions in multiple private sector organizations and was previously invited to serve on prestigious government panels such as the National Science and Technology Development Agency, the Digital Council of Thailand, and the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization.
He first joined the IEAT board in January 2024, and was later tapped to serve as Acting Governor in September 2024 after the unexpected resignation of Mr. Veeris Ammarapala. Mr. Sumet eventually stepped down from the board to enter the selection process, emerging as the unanimous choice to lead the agency.
Mr. Sumet’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Thailand’s industrial development. His strong stance against illegal operations and his forward-looking approach signal a new era of accountability and modernization. If his plans unfold as envisioned, Thailand could see a shift not just in regulation but in the global perception of its industrial capabilities.
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