Phiphat to discuss Disneyland, EEC investment, 3-airport high-speed rail progress on Feb 18

MGR Online•Economy•22h ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is set to meet on February 18, 2026, with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office to advance discussions on developing Disneyland and a national sports complex within the EEC, aiming to boost tourism and support the three-airport high-speed rail project.

•Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will hold a meeting on February 18, 2026.
•The meeting will discuss progress on potential Disney-themed amusement park and a national sports complex in the EEC.
•The projects aim to attract tourists, boost the economy, and support the high-speed rail connecting three airports.
•Phiphat confirmed opposition to contract amendments for the three-airport high-speed rail project.

Overview

•On February 18, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is scheduled to meet with the EEC Office to discuss progress on various development projects.
•Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that Thailand has sufficient potential to invest in Disneyland, emphasizing its significance as the first in ASEAN to transform family tourism.
•Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn will discuss the planning of areas and investment models for the 'Disneyland' project and a national sports complex with 80,000 seats.
•The development of Disneyland and a national sports complex is expected to create year-round tourism activities, stimulate travel demand, and support the three-airport high-speed rail project.
•The proposed projects aim to attract international travelers and create employment and economic growth in the EEC region.
•Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn confirmed his disagreement with amending the joint investment contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three airports.
•The contract amendment sought by the private sector is to change the payment structure from post-construction to a 'pay-as-you-build' model, due to delays exceeding 6 years and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on passenger numbers, which the Deputy Prime Minister opposes.

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Key Quotes

Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn

"Thailand has sufficient potential to invest in Disneyland, which will be the first in ASEAN and will significantly transform family tourism."

ประเทศไทยมีศักยภาพเพียงพอที่จะลงทุนสวนสนุกดิสนีย์แลนด์ ซึ่งจะเป็นแห่งแรกของอาเซียน ซึ่งจะพลิกโฉมอุตสาหกรรมการท่องเที่ยวเชิงครอบครัวครั้งสำคัญ

Key Entities

Person

Phiphat Ratsakitprakarn(พิพัฒน์)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport of Thailand, initiating discussions on major EEC development projects.

Place

Eastern Economic Corridor(EEC)ℹ️

A key development zone in Thailand targeted for major infrastructure and tourism projects, including Disneyland.

Organization

Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEC)(สำนักงาน คณะกรรมการนโยบายเขตพัฒนาพิเศษภาคตะวันออก (สกพอ.))

The government body responsible for managing and promoting development within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) of Thailand, meeting with the Deputy PM regarding project progress.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT)(การรถไฟแห่งประเทศไทย (รฟท.))ℹ️

The state-owned railway operator involved in the joint investment contract for the three-airport high-speed rail project.

Asia Era One Company Limited(บริษัท เอเชีย เอราวัน จำกัด)

The private sector partner in the joint investment contract for the three-airport high-speed rail project, seeking contract amendments.