Thailand Advances Plans to Host Southeast Asia’s First Disneyland-Style Entertainment Hub
Government pushes feasibility studies for a mega “Entertainment & Lifestyle Hub” with theme park, concert arena and stadium in the Eastern Economic Corridor
Thailand is actively advancing plans to build what could become Southeast Asia’s first Disneyland-style entertainment destination, elevating the concept into an element of national economic diplomacy.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this week that the Thai Embassy in Washington has endorsed the bid to establish a flagship theme park within the Eastern Economic Corridor, positioning the country as a leading candidate for such a global project.
The initiative goes beyond a traditional amusement park; officials are studying the creation of an integrated “Entertainment & Lifestyle Hub” combining a theme park with a world-class concert hall and an international-standard stadium with more than 80,000 seats, capable of hosting major sporting events and large-scale music performances throughout the year.
The proposal is designed to tap into Thailand’s existing infrastructure advantages, including international airports, planned high-speed rail links connecting three major airports, deep-sea ports and extensive road networks — elements intended to support a high volume of international visitors if a global investor commits to the project.
Phiphat emphasised that the concept does not include any casino component and is aimed at repositioning Thailand as a regional hub for tourism, entertainment and sport.
Economists and government officials estimate that if realised, the development could generate significant economic benefits including the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, attract roughly ten million additional tourists annually, and contribute upwards of 150 billion baht in revenue, potentially boosting Thailand’s GDP growth by around one percentage point each year.
The entertainment hub is also seen as a catalyst for broader regional development, stimulating activity in hotels, transport, F&B and related sectors.{{turn0search7}}{{turn0search12}}
Preliminary feasibility work is underway, and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office has been tasked with identifying suitable land parcels across provinces such as Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanthaburi.
While no formal investment agreements have been signed, government officials and diplomats describe the mounting interest as a positive signal of Thailand’s attractiveness for landmark international projects.
The government’s approach reflects a strategic pivot toward large-scale tourism infrastructure as part of its long-term economic blueprint.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said this week that the Thai Embassy in Washington has endorsed the bid to establish a flagship theme park within the Eastern Economic Corridor, positioning the country as a leading candidate for such a global project.
The initiative goes beyond a traditional amusement park; officials are studying the creation of an integrated “Entertainment & Lifestyle Hub” combining a theme park with a world-class concert hall and an international-standard stadium with more than 80,000 seats, capable of hosting major sporting events and large-scale music performances throughout the year.
The proposal is designed to tap into Thailand’s existing infrastructure advantages, including international airports, planned high-speed rail links connecting three major airports, deep-sea ports and extensive road networks — elements intended to support a high volume of international visitors if a global investor commits to the project.
Phiphat emphasised that the concept does not include any casino component and is aimed at repositioning Thailand as a regional hub for tourism, entertainment and sport.
Economists and government officials estimate that if realised, the development could generate significant economic benefits including the creation of more than 100,000 jobs, attract roughly ten million additional tourists annually, and contribute upwards of 150 billion baht in revenue, potentially boosting Thailand’s GDP growth by around one percentage point each year.
The entertainment hub is also seen as a catalyst for broader regional development, stimulating activity in hotels, transport, F&B and related sectors.{{turn0search7}}{{turn0search12}}
Preliminary feasibility work is underway, and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office has been tasked with identifying suitable land parcels across provinces such as Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chanthaburi.
While no formal investment agreements have been signed, government officials and diplomats describe the mounting interest as a positive signal of Thailand’s attractiveness for landmark international projects.
The government’s approach reflects a strategic pivot toward large-scale tourism infrastructure as part of its long-term economic blueprint.
