The Disney theme park family could be about to grow, and we’re not talking about the recently announced Abu Dhabi Disneyland, but a new proposal from the government of Thailand.
According to recent reports, the Thai government is putting together a pitch for The Walt Disney Company regarding a potential Bangkok Disneyland. It falls under the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a plan to strengthen the countries tourism and transport infrastructure. The theme park has been allocated roughly between 153 to 480 hectares of space.
The plans, which are in the early stages of development, also includes an 80,000 seat football stadium, 30,000 seat indoor arena, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
It’s our understanding that these facilities would not all be part of one resort but spread out across the Bangkok area, all doubling as a way to attract passengers to the high-speed rail project servicing Don Mueang, Survarnabhumi and U-Tapao Airport.
Speaking on the project, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated: ‘Southeast Asia currently has no Disneyland, so Thailand can become the first in the region.’
As for how this hypothetical Disneyland could come to be, the Deputy Prime Minister went on to say:‘We will first invite Disney to invest directly, but if it does not do so, a licence could be purchased to operate the project instead.’
It’s all blue sky for now but the idea is more real than the Disneyland Australia project being proposed by a small group of Australian MP’s. This is part of a large government-backed infrustructure project with Disney built specficially in mind. Of course, any one could take over the park if talks with Disney go south, and that’s if talks ever happen at all.
But, it’s important to remember that this situation isn’t unlike how Tokyo Disney Resort came to be in the 1970s. The Oriental Land Company had to pitch to their idea for the first international Disney park to Disney and after many a negotiation, they successfully secured a long-term licensing agreement which continues to this day. A similar transaction has been made with the recently announced Abu Dhabi Disneyland on Yas Island, UAE, which will be built, owned and operated by the Miral Group under a license from Disney.
Thai investors are reported to be interested though the Bangkok Post said no details could be disclosed yet.
Tourism in Thailand is still booming despite a rare decline of tourists in 2025, with only 32.9 million travellers visiting. However, 30 million of those visitors also travelled to Bangkok making it 2025’s most visited city in the world. So, there is some financial incentive for a large conglomarate like Disney to invest. That’s all without mentioning that Disney already has a foot in Thailand as 9 of their movies are in Thailand’s Top 20 Highest Grossing list, 4 are in the Top 10 with Avengers: Endgame taking the number spot overall.
What do you think? Would you like to see Bangkok Disneyland?
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