The cabinet approved a 7.2 billion baht reservoir in Chanthaburi (99.5 million cubic metres, serving over 87,700 rai of farmland), to be built in fiscal 2027-2033. Eastern water demand is forecast to reach 2.89 billion cubic metres next year. For an SME in the EEC, this is a long-term supply improvement, not a near-term change: no action is needed now, but water-intensive plans should account for supply tightening before the reservoir is finished. Construction will also be restricted in protected forest and national park areas, and the project must minimise land use.