The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn) entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and economic development strategy.

In a statment, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC said its government is courting global theme park operators in a bid to bring a major attraction to Thailand.

Deputy prime minister and transport minister, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, said work is underway to identify a suitable site and craft investment incentives aimed at Disney or another major global entertainment company. 

There is no indication that The Walt Disney Company is involved at this point.

The government-backed EEC programme covers the provinces of Chonburi, Rayong and Chachoengsao to the east of Bangkok and showcases Thailand’s ambitions in high-tech manufacturing, sustainable development and modern urban living. Phiphat said the EEC has been designed to host 'magnet projects' that elevate the region’s global profile and attract long-term investment.

Established by the government to attract strategic investment, the development zone will is being supported by major infrastructure projects, including the expansion of U-Tapao International Airport and a number of planned high-speed rail links.

The 480-hectare theme park – with an estimated value of THB200bn (US$5.45 billion, £4.5 billion) – would sit alongside a THB100bn (US$2.75 billion, £2.25 billion) sports and entertainment complex, with an 80,000-seat stadium, at the heart of the development.

It would be delivered through a public-private partnership, with private investors expected to provide the capital.

A major theme park in the EEC would significantly enhance Thailand’s family entertainment landscape, said Phiphat, supporting the growing expat and professional community in the region, and attract additional domestic and international visitors.

The attractions would also strengthen Thailand’s position as a family tourism destination and create a major anchor attraction capable of stimulating hotel, retail and infrastructure investment across the corridor.

While no timeline or financing package has been announced, the scale of the proposal and its integration into Thailand’s wider economic strategy suggest it is more than a speculative concept. However, with no operator commitments in place, the project remains at an early stage.

If realised, the development would rank among the largest attractions investments in the region and could reshape the competitive landscape for destination entertainment in Southeast Asia.