A regional assessment of ecological environment quality in Thailand special economic zone: Spatial heterogeneous influences and future prediction

Abstract “Eastern Economic Corridor” is a development plan under the Thailand 4.0 scheme to revitalize the economy. However, it has influenced the environment through numerous infrastructural and industrial projects. The ecological environment is the most fragile component since it is susceptible to land use, land cover changes (LULCC) and rapid development. Meanwhile, there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies on spatial heterogeneity and future simulation of ecological environment quality (EEQ). Therefore, this study aims to analyze changes in EEQ and controlling factors and to predict near‐future EEQ by adopting an integrated approach of remote sensing and spatial analyses. It revealed that the regional EEQ has considerably fluctuated in the period 2013–2021. The dynamic areas, accounting for nearly half of the area, include ecologically degraded areas in coastal urban and surrounding areas and ecologically improved areas in the eastern forest and perennial plantations. Chonburi is the most vulnerable province due to its long coast with extensive urban infrastructures and industrial estates. These changes are an integrated consequence of natural and socioeconomic impacts. Particularly, LULCC, infrastructural projects, and climate are the most crucial contributors since they directly regulate the functions of the ecological environment, which will amplify the future changes of EEQ reflected via the near‐future prediction. This research identified key controlling factors and spatial heterogeneities that are useful for policymakers and local authorities to have appropriate local‐oriented plans for each area relevant to their uniqueness. Besides, regional plans should be also considered along with regional concerns such as LULCC, crop structures, water management, and green infrastructure, as well as legal interventions to promote sustainable development in this special economic zone.