Can you picture having a Southeast Asian Disneyland? It’s possible!
Thailand is currently eyeing the development of aDisneyland-scale theme park within its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a move that could possibly make the country home to Southeast Asia’s first Disneyland and Asia’s fifth park overall.
This move reflects broader efforts to boost long-term tourism, attract long-terminvestment, strengthen transport infrastructure, and expand the region’s entertainment landscape.
Disneyland, the world’s most famous theme park brand owned by The Walt Disney Company, has seven locations worldwide – four of them located in Asia: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in Japan,Hong Kong Disneyland in Hong Kong, and Shanghai Disneyland in China.
In recent months, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who also serves as Transport Minister and Chairman of the EEC Policy Board, has said that the country is ready to build the first Disneyland in Southeast Asia, noting that multiple Thai investors have expressed interest in the project. Specific details, however, have remained under wraps.
Officials have also said that the proposed development is also envisioned as a key driver for passenger demand for a planned high-speed rail line connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports.
Earlier studies by authorities have explored several potential park sizes, ranging from 960 rai to 3,000 rai. With future development, the size could reach roughly 5,000 rai. The project also aligns with Disney’s strict rules that prohibit casinos within or near its parks, reinforcing its family-friendly oriented tourism focus.
“We will first invite Disney to invest directly, but if it does not do so, a license could be purchased to operate the project instead,” Mr. Phiphat said.
What do you guys think? Will Thailand be the home of the first Disneyland in Southeast Asia? Let us know what you think!
