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Thailand Plans Major Theme Park to Attract Year-Round Tourists

Thailand is studying a new plan to build a large Disneyland-style theme park to bring more tourists to the country. The project is being explored in the Eastern Economic Corridor, also known as the EEC. The main idea is to create a year-round attraction that can pull visitors from across Asia and other parts of the world. Officials believe such a park can help Thailand stay competitive as a top travel destination. The project is also linked with improving transport and airport connections. If developed, the park could become one of the biggest tourist highlights in the region. The government says the plan is still at an early stage. Talks with investors are currently ongoing.

According to officials, the theme park could help boost passenger traffic for major transport projects. These include the high-speed rail line connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports. The government wants tourism and transport to grow together. The park is expected to support the development of U-Tapao airport and nearby aviation-related areas. This could create more jobs and business opportunities. Authorities see the theme park as a strong magnet for international visitors. Southeast Asia currently does not have a Disneyland. Thailand wants to take the lead in the region.

The plan is being discussed along with other large infrastructure projects. These include a world-class football stadium with around 80,000 seats. There are also plans for a large indoor arena and an Olympic-size swimming pool. These facilities could be used for sports events and global conferences. However, officials said sports venues alone cannot attract daily tourists. A theme park is needed to bring visitors every day. The combined development would require a large amount of land. The goal is to create a complete entertainment and tourism zone.

Authorities have shared that the theme park could come in different sizes. A smaller park would need less land, while a larger park could cover several thousand rai. In total, the full development area could reach around 5,000 rai. The project will follow strict rules set by Disney. Casinos or casino-related activities will not be allowed near the park. This keeps the project focused on family-friendly tourism. The government wants the park to match global standards. Safety and quality are key priorities for the planners.

The government plans to first invite Disney to invest directly in the project. If Disney chooses not to invest, a license option may be considered instead. Officials say the project is part of a long-term tourism strategy. The aim is to strengthen the economy and attract more global visitors. Thailand wants to be seen as a leading travel hub in Southeast Asia. At present, discussions are still in progress. No final agreements have been signed yet. More updates are expected as talks continue.

January 24, 2026
12:49 IST

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