Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has expressed robust confidence in the potential of Thailand to successfully develop the ambitious "Disneyland Thailand" project within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). He emphasizes that this is not just an aspirational dream but a strategic initiative aimed at establishing a world-class Entertainment and Lifestyle Hub. The project is set to feature an amusement park, a concert hall, and an international standard sports stadium with a capacity of 80,000 seats, targeting high-quality tourists and enthusiasts of music and sports tourism from across the globe. Pipat highlighted Thailand's robust infrastructure, including the U-Tapao Airport and the high-speed rail link connecting three airports, as crucial factors in enhancing the country's tourism income.
According to Thai News Agency, relevant agencies in the EEC have embarked on a feasibility study for the project, proposing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model to attract international private sector investment and management technology under the support of government policies. Pipat underscored that the project does not necessarily require a casino but will prioritize creating a circular economy and generating employment for the younger generation. He questioned not just the feasibility of the project but who would ultimately bring it to fruition, asserting his readiness to advocate for its realization if given the chance to lead the government in the future.
Inside sources reveal that the project benefits from an already well-prepared roadmap, supported by special EEC legislation, thus eliminating the need to start from scratch. Should the next government take office, they can promptly engage with investors to commence the investment framework. This initiative is likened to the successful Phuket Sandbox, which Pipat managed to push through a crisis. If effectively executed, the Disneyland mega-project in Thailand is poised to become a pivotal milestone, positioning Thailand as a premier entertainment hub in Southeast Asia.