BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government outlined plans for a Disneyland-scale entertainment complex in the Eastern Economic Corridor, pitched as a new regional hub for tourism and major events.
Government pushes vision of mega entertainment hub
Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said authorities were pursuing plans for a large-scale theme park and surrounding complex in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). He dismissed concerns that the project was unrealistic.
“This is not a pious daydream,”
said Phiphat, who also oversees the EEC.
World-class theme park without casino
Phiphat stressed that the proposal went far beyond a single attraction, describing it as a comprehensive entertainment hub. The plans included a large concert hall and a stadium with at least 80,000 seats.
“Thailand has the potential for a world-class theme park,”
said Phiphat.
He underlined that gambling was not part of the vision.
“The project will not include a casino,”
said the minister, adding that the goal was to attract international concerts, sporting events and major festivals.
Public-private partnership at the core
According to officials, preliminary studies by the responsible EEC authorities were already under way. The investment model was expected to be structured as a public-private partnership.
Private expertise, technology and capital from around the world would be combined with state supervision. Phiphat said the choice of the EEC as location was deliberate.
Strategic location with existing infrastructure
The corridor already offered infrastructure such as international airports, planned high-speed rail links and deep-sea ports. Its proximity to Bangkok, Pattaya and Rayong was described as ideal for future visitors and investors.
Beyond roller coasters: lifestyle and entertainment hub
The so-called “Disneyland Thailand” was presented as more than a conventional amusement park, positioned instead as a global center for lifestyle and entertainment. The government hoped it would create new jobs and attract higher-spending tourists.
“A platform for Thai talents,”
said the minister, referring to opportunities for local performers and creators.
Thailand aimed to establish itself as a new destination for music tourism and sports tourism, drawing global stars and younger travelers throughout the year.
Raising Thailand’s creative and tourism profile
Phiphat framed the project as a historic opportunity for the country.
“Disneyland Thailand in the EEC is not just fun,”
said the deputy prime minister.
He argued that the initiative was intended to lift Thailand’s creative and tourism sectors to a new level and to turn the country into a regional hub for world-class events in Southeast Asia.
Focus on continuity and long-term delivery
For Phiphat, the main challenge lay not in the basic feasibility but in consistent implementation over time.
“Continuity is essential for such mega projects,”
said the minister, in what he framed as a signal to future governments.
The administration continued to back the vision of a Disneyland-style mega project in the EEC, combining a stadium, concert hall and global entertainment ambitions, amid public debate over whether the plan represented a generational opportunity or misplaced ambition.