Thailand has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting Southeast Asia’s first Disneyland as part of the EEC Capital City project, aiming to boost tourism and accelerate infrastructure development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Caretaker deputy prime minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the proposed theme park is intended to draw significant visitor traffic and support long-delayed mega-projects, including the high-speed railway linking three regional airports. Get today's headlines by email The government has already submitted a letter to the chief executive of Walt Disney Company, inviting the firm to explore investment opportunities in Thailand. Authorities are prioritising discussions with Disney, noting that no Disneyland currently exists in Southeast Asia and highlighting the potential for Thailand to become the fourth Asian location after Japan, China and Hong Kong. EEC Capital City is progressing with land expropriation compensation covering around 15,000 rai. Of this, approximately 2,700 rai has been earmarked for the theme park, a scale comparable to Disneyland Shanghai. In addition to the theme park, the project includes plans for sports complexes spanning 2,000 rai, featuring a 15,000-seat indoor stadium adaptable for meetings and a water sports facility to ease congestion at Bangkok’s Hua Mak Sports Complex. The initiative is expected to require at least 300 billion baht in total investment, although a detailed feasibility study is still pending. Mr Phiphat said the government is not concerned about funding, citing strong interest from major investors in the United Arab Emirates. He also revealed that another global theme park operator with an existing franchise in Singapore has approached the EEC about expanding into Thailand. Officials believe the project will strengthen the EEC’s appeal as a hub for tourism, major sporting events and the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sector. The development is also expected to generate wider economic benefits by increasing visitor numbers and supporting transport infrastructure upgrades. Bangkokpost reported that Mr Phiphat emphasised that the project will not include a casino and expressed confidence it could be completed within a four-year government term. Meanwhile, he reiterated his opposition to renegotiating the 2019 contract for the high-speed rail project, despite requests from concessionaire Asia Era One, led by CP Group. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 28 Mar 2026
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