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Thailand is exploring the possibility of building what would be the fifth Disneyland in Asia, and the first in Southeast Asia!
According to the Bangkok Post, the Thai government is studying plans to develop a Disneyland theme park within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) — a major development zone east of Bangkok — as a flagship project to boost tourism and support transport infrastructure.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, who is also Transport Minister and chairman of the EEC policy board, said the kingdom is ready to host the region's first Disneyland.
If realised, the park would join existing Disney destinations in Asia — two in Tokyo, Japan, and one each in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China.
The initiative is closely linked to the country's high-speed rail project, which aims to link Bangkok's Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports with U-Tapao Airport in Pattaya and its surrounding aviation city.
Phiphat said large-scale tourism attractions are needed to fully support and justify the rail project.
Studies indicate that a Disneyland theme park would require between 144 and 480 hectares of land
Phiphat said officials have already been tasked with identifying suitable sites within the EEC provinces and securing land for these "magnet projects", which are expected to attract both local and international visitors year-round and boost passenger numbers on the new rail link.
Phiphat added that authorities are now exploring the negotiation of rights for Disneyland to be developed in Thailand
He stressed that Disney would first be invited to invest directly, but if this is unsuccessful, a licence could be purchased to operate the project.
He added that the idea has already attracted interest from Thai investors, although details remain under discussion, reported The Nation.
"I believe Thailand is ready to invest in Disneyland because we have good service, great food, and a climate that is not too hot or too cold. We are located in the heart of ASEAN and next to the ocean, which supports travel," he said.
