Thailand Advances Plans to Establish Asia’s Fifth Disneyland in Eastern Economic Corridor

The Thai government has announced plans to develop a Disneyland theme park within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), marking a significant step toward expanding the country’s tourism infrastructure. This initiative aims to attract high-spending international visitors and increase the average length of tourist stays in Thailand.

Disneyland, a globally recognized theme park brand owned by The Walt Disney Company, currently operates four locations in Asia: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in Japan, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disneyland in China. The proposed park in Thailand would represent the fifth Disneyland in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has emphasized Thailand’s readiness to host a global theme park brand like Disneyland. He highlighted that the success of ongoing infrastructure projects—including the high-speed rail linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports, as well as the expansion of U-Tapao Airport and the Eastern Aviation City—depends on creating new incentives to attract visitors.

The Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECO) has been tasked with analyzing and designing these incentives to boost tourism and economic activity in the area. According to a study referenced by The National, the Disneyland project would require between 144 and 480 hectares of land.

Financial analysis published by Longtunman estimates the project’s value at approximately 100 billion Baht, equivalent to around 53.8 trillion Indonesian Rupiah. This substantial investment underscores the scale and ambition of the development.

Reports from Thaiger dated January 10, 2026, indicate that Disneyland Thailand would likely operate under a licensing model similar to Tokyo Disneyland, which is owned and managed by Oriental Land Company rather than The Walt Disney Company itself. Under this structure, a Thai investor would serve as the lead developer, responsible for capital expenditures including land acquisition, construction, and operational costs. Meanwhile, The Walt Disney Company would retain intellectual property rights and receive royalty fees.

Oriental Land Company’s strong financial performance in 2024 has been cited as a positive indicator for the potential viability of the Thai Disneyland project. Industry analysts suggest that such a large-scale theme park would serve as a major anchor for Thailand’s tourism sector, helping to differentiate the country from regional competitors.

If realized, the Thailand Disneyland would join the ranks of Asia’s existing Disney parks, following two in Japan, one in Hong Kong, and one in Shanghai. This development aligns with broader regional trends, including the upcoming Disneyland in Abu Dhabi, which will be the first in the Middle East and the seventh worldwide.

The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges faced by Disney’s global operations, including reduced visitor numbers at Shanghai Disneyland due to COVID-19 restrictions and financial pressures caused by the pandemic. Nonetheless, Thailand’s proposal reflects confidence in the long-term growth potential of theme park tourism.

This project also complements Thailand’s broader infrastructure upgrades, such as the high-speed rail connecting key airports and the expansion of aviation facilities, which are critical to supporting increased tourist inflows.

As the EECO continues its work on incentive design and feasibility studies, stakeholders will be closely watching how the licensing agreement with The Walt Disney Company is structured and how the project integrates with Thailand’s tourism strategy.

The development of Disneyland Thailand represents a landmark opportunity to enhance the country’s appeal as a premier destination for international travelers seeking world-class entertainment experiences.