Thailand seeks Southeast Asia’s first Disneyland amid tourism slowdown
Thailand is considering a bold idea to revitalize its tourism industry: becoming home to Southeast Asia’s first Disneyland.
Senior officials have stated that the government is prepared to attract a global theme park giant to anchor development in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a flagship economic zone located east of Bangkok.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has repeatedly floated Disneyland as a potential “magnet project” that could transform the region into a year-round tourism hub.
If realised, the park would be Asia’s fifth Disney resort, joining two in Tokyo and existing sites in Hong Kong and Shanghai — and the first in the ASEAN region.
The proposal is closely tied to Thailand’s long-delayed high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports, as well as the expansion of U-Tapao into a full aviation city.
Phiphat has warned that these multibillion-baht infrastructure projects will struggle to attract investors without new incentives that guarantee passenger demand.
A globally recognised theme park, he argued, could provide that missing pull.
Is it plausible?
Studies cited by officials suggest that a Disneyland would require between 144 and 480 hectares of land, prompting authorities to search for additional space in the EEC provinces.
One option under review is land near a planned national sports and entertainment complex in Chonburi, which includes an 80,000-seat stadium and facilities for major international events.
The wider area could be developed into a new city combining sports venues, hotels, shopping centres and residential zones — without a casino.
The government has instructed the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee to explore negotiations with Disney, either through direct investment or licensing arrangements.
Thai investors have already approached authorities to express interest in co-investing, Phiphat said.
Amid tourism decline
The plan comes as Thailand seeks to reverse a rare dip in foreign tourism, after arrivals fell in 2025 due to security scares, natural disasters and regional tensions.
Thailand welcomed nearly 33 million visitors last year, a 7.2% decrease from the 35 million tourists in 2024. Still, the country is aiming higher in 2026, targeting almost 37 million arrivals.
Officials see a marquee attraction like Disneyland as a way to restore confidence, boost spending and ensure that ambitious rail and airport projects finally pay off.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
