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The focus of Thailand is now on a huge tourism and entertainment project in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), and this one is going to exclude casinos from the equation. The government is looking to invest up to THB700 billion, or approximately $22.56 billion, in this project as part of a larger initiative to boost economic growth and attract more tourists to the country. This project will be a huge man-made tourist destination within the EEC and will aim to attract millions of tourists once it is fully developed and operational.
According to a report from local outlet The Nation, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the EEC board is expected to review the proposal this week before it is forwarded to the Cabinet. He made it clear that the plan does not include a casino element. The project is being framed as a large-scale entertainment hub that fits with the current administration’s commitments and reflects the policy direction laid out under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Pushing Growth Through Tourism And Infrastructure
Prime Minister Anutin and his administration have set out their goal of 3% GDP growth for 2026 and have identified tourism and infrastructure as the two primary drivers of their economic growth plan. As such, the new EEC development will be a key part of that strategy because it has the capacity to draw 40 million visitors to the new complex by the time it is fully operational.
The project will not be limited to just one type of attraction. The planned facilities will include sports fields, a large theme park, and a massive amount of retail space for everyone who desires to shop at this new facility. According to Phiphat, the Bill has also been developed according to the goals established by the Government in developing a theme park capable of competing on a global scale. The lack of casinos from the overall concept is not accidental or unplanned, but is in line with the current administration’s view of how the government will develop entertainment facilities.
Building A New Urban Destination In The EEC
The physical development plan for the project is already underway. The EEC has set aside approximately 15,000 rai of land, or 24 million square meters, to support the development. Of this, about 5,000 rai, or 8 million square meters, is allocated for sports development and theme park projects. This area will be developed into a new urban area, which will be a tourism, recreation, and service hub.
The designated area will not include industrial plants; however, medical and hospital infrastructure will be the focus for the project in relation to the area being a livable service area. According to Phiphat, meetings are taking place with the EEC secretary general, the governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, demonstrating that the proposal has moved through to the important organizations related to tourism and sports planning.
Spillover Investment And A “Disneyland Thailand” Vision
In addition to the primary attractions, the megaproject is expected to create many other investments through the EEC, in particular with transportation infrastructure. According to Phiphat, the megaproject is capable of creating more capital to be invested in the high-speed rail connecting three airports and also create additional developments near U-Tapao Airport. He believes the amount anticipated to be invested into the EEC will total somewhere between THB600 billion and TBH700 billion ($19.35 billion to $22.56 billion).
Approximately THB 300 billion ($9.67 billion) of the investment will be through the high-speed rail connecting the three airports and the expansion of U-Tapao Airport. And THB 350 billion ($11.28 billion) will be made for projects associated with sports. Phiphat said the government plans to move quickly on approvals and implementation to keep the momentum going. In a separate briefing earlier last month, he also mentioned that a “Disneyland Thailand”-style complex in the EEC is being studied under a public–private partnership model, supported by nearby airports, rail links, ports, and its proximity to Bangkok, Pattaya, and Rayong. He added that earlier attempts to push casino-based entertainment projects under previous administrations did not move forward, reinforcing the current government’s firm position on keeping this new EEC megaproject casino-free.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief (AGB)
