Thai government defends Tomorrowland’s THB1.65 billion budget

Thailand’s high-profile plan to host Tomorrowland has sparked controversy over its cost.

As reported by Thai News, the event will debut in late 2026 at Wisdom Valley, Pattaya, under an exclusive five-year deal making Thailand the only Asian host.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) projects more than one million visitors and over THB21 billion in total economic impact from 2026–2030.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports confirmed a government investment of THB1.65 billion; a figure that has drawn public backlash, with some calling for the funds to be redirected to support families affected by recent Thai-Cambodian border clashes.

In a recent press conference, Sorawong Thienthong, the Minister for Tourism and Sports, addressed the criticism, saying: "I want to confirm that these reports are a distortion of the facts and are an attempt to incite misunderstanding, aimed at attacking the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture during a sensitive time for the country. This serves no benefit to the nation whatsoever."

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He also clarified the project is led by TAT, not the Ministry of Culture, and stressed that most of the funding will come from the private sector.

In addition, Sorawong confirmed that a separate budget has already been allocated to "honourably compensate" families affected by recent events.

TAT governor Thapanee Kiatpaibool defended the festival, citing a feasibility study from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau showing more than THB12 billion in economic value from the first year alone.

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"Tomorrowland has a high potential to promote 'Brand Thailand' on the global stage," she said. "This is a historic step for Thailand in driving our tourism industry to a global level."

In June, former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with the Tomorrowland CEO Bruno Vanwelsenaers, signalling stronger government support for the festival.

Shinawatra emphasised that the government views Tomorrowland as a launchpad for Thai talent, a boost for the local music scene, and a benchmark for world-class concert hosting.

Via: Nation Thailand

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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