Thailand unveils 'Disneyland' theme park plans, rules out a casino

BANGKOK — Thailand plans to transform its Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) into a global tourism and entertainment hub featuring an international-scale theme park likened to a "Thai Disneyland," Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn announced.

Phiphat, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, emphasized that the project will focus strictly on entertainment and will not include casino operations. He stated that the plan is realistic and achievable through strong political commitment.

The government is currently preparing suitable land in Chon Buri province to support the development. The EEC region offers significant infrastructure advantages, including a high-speed rail line connecting three major airports and the ongoing expansion of U-Tapao International Airport.

The proposed entertainment complex is expected to house a grand theater for international events, a new 80,000-seat national stadium, and the theme park. Officials intend to attract private investment for these facilities through public-private partnerships.

Projected to create tens of thousands of jobs, the initiative aims to provide a major boost to the local economy. In a related development, officials recently signed a management agreement for the U-Tapao International Airport project.

Bangkok’s latest push for a flagship entertainment complex is more than a bid for a new tourist attraction; it is a calculated strategic move to anchor the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and solidify Thailand’s dominance in the regional tourism market.

By explicitly adopting a "no-casino" policy, Thailand is pursuing a clear strategy of market differentiation. While regional peers—most notably Singapore and increasingly Vietnam—pivot toward the Integrated Resort (IR) model anchored by gaming, Bangkok is doubling down on a family-friendly brand. This approach targets a broader global demographic and positions the country as a "clean" destination, effectively bypassing the social and regulatory headwinds often associated with gambling-centric developments.

This development places direct competitive pressure on Vietnam’s own tourism ambitions, particularly for nascent mega-projects in Phu Quoc and Van Don. Although Hanoi has long-term plans for large-scale entertainment hubs, implementation has been slowed by bureaucratic and logistical hurdles. With the EEC’s existing infrastructure—including advanced airport networks and high-speed rail links—Thailand maintains a significant first-mover advantage in the race for post-pandemic regional travel spend.

Ultimately, the project’s success will hinge on the government’s ability to secure foreign direct investment from global entertainment conglomerates. The state’s role is to de-risk these investments through land concessions, infrastructure support, and favorable policy frameworks. However, for institutional investors, Thailand’s perennial challenge remains political stability. Historical volatility continues to be the primary sovereign risk that could derail Bangkok’s latest attempt at a national mega-project.

Thailand’s move to build a world-class entertainment hub signals a new era of competition for the Vietnamese-American travel market. For many in the diaspora—from business owners in the nail salon industry to the families behind our local phở restaurants—Thailand is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to the homeland for Southeast Asian travel. This development directly challenges Vietnam’s hold on the tourism dollars and remittances traditionally spent by overseas Vietnamese. Whether they are traveling back to visit family on an F2B visa or exploring regional investment opportunities through an EB-5 or H-1B, this new destination offers a modern luxury that could divert spending away from Vietnam, forcing the country to rethink how it attracts and retains the loyalty of the Little Saigon communities across the United States.