Thailand seeks concert hub status

Officials consider bid for Tomorrowland

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

Even though the government recently faced a backlash over a potential €50 million (1.88 billion baht) investment to bring Tomorrowland, the global electronic dance music event, to Thailand for five years, the private sector and venue owners still support the plan to establish the country as an entertainment hub because of its fiscal impact.

According to the Tourism and Sports Ministry, Thailand is in the process of developing itself as an entertainment hub, lining up new concerts.

If a contract is signed, Tomorrowland would debut in 2026, and stadium revamps are planned to attract high-spending tourists, lifting local income.

On July 29, the cabinet approved a feasibility study on hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand, as proposed by the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. This move stirred public debate last week, with some expressing concern over the large budget.

According to the cabinet statement, over five years the festival is expected to generate 12 billion baht in revenue, attracting more than 922,500 visitors, with Pattaya set as the destination.

Thailand's inferior infrastructure is often listed as a persistent obstacle for events, but a more complete mass transit system in Bangkok is slated for the coming years, helping to ease traffic flow.