The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) board will review a proposed casino-free entertainment complex this week before forwarding it to the cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said on Monday, February 23, 2026. The project is intended to stimulate economic growth and help Thailand achieve a GDP growth target of around 3% in 2026. Phiphat said infrastructure investment and tourism will be key drivers.
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Phiphat, who oversees the Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee, said the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to develop a new man-made tourism destination capable of attracting up to 40 million visitors a year. The entertainment complex would comprise sports projects, a theme park and shopping malls. He stressed that “there is absolutely no casino.”
He said discussions have already been held with the EEC secretary-general, the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The EEC has reserved about 15,000 rai of land, with approximately 5,000 rai earmarked for sports projects and a theme park. The zone would exclude industrial factories but include supporting facilities such as hospitals and medical centres to help develop the area into a new city.
Phiphat said the projects could accelerate private sector construction of the high-speed rail linking three airports and development connected to U-Tapao airport. Total investment in the EEC could reach 600–700 billion baht. This includes around 300 billion baht tied to the three-airport high-speed rail and U-Tapao airport, and about 350 billion baht in sports-related investment.
He said that once in government, the administration would move quickly to advance agreements and signatures. He expressed confidence that the government’s economic team would be able to deliver the project.
The Nation reported that a Transport Ministry source said Phiphat convened a meeting last week with the EEC secretary-general and the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand to discuss development approaches. The source said land is already available and that a clear land-allocation plan will be submitted to the EEC board this week before being forwarded to the cabinet.
Key Takeaways
• The EEC board will review a casino-free entertainment complex proposal before cabinet submission.
• Up to 700 billion baht in combined public and private investment is projected.
• Around 5,000 rai is earmarked for sports facilities and a world-class theme park.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 25 Feb 2026
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