The Thai Cabinet has approved a 2 billion baht (around US$59 million) budget to host the internationally renowned electronic dance music festival Tomorrowland in Thailand for the next five years.
Pattaya has been selected as the festival’s venue, with the official announcement made on August 27. The event is projected to generate at least 12 billion baht (about US$354 million) in visitor spending, providing a significant boost to Thailand’s tourism-driven economy.
Originally held in Belgium, Tomorrowland is famous for its immersive production and top-tier electronic music performances, drawing hundreds of thousands of attendees annually. Thailand’s hosting of the festival reflects its ambitions to become a major hub for international music events, leveraging Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife and strong tourism infrastructure.
Located in Chon Buri province along the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is celebrated for its beaches and entertainment districts, and lies roughly 150 kilometres from Bangkok.
The five-year plan aims to attract both domestic and international tourists, with significant economic benefits expected from spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and local businesses. Tourism contributes around 12–15% of Thailand’s GDP, making such events vital to the economy.
Pattaya’s selection highlights its capacity to host large-scale events, having previously welcomed festivals such as Rolling Loud Thailand and Maya Music Festival.
A Ministry of Tourism and Sports spokesperson stated, “Bringing Tomorrowland to Pattaya reflects Thailand’s ambition to raise its profile in global tourism. We anticipate the festival will boost the local economy and highlight Pattaya’s appeal to young, international visitors.”
Although the exact dates, venue, and lineup have not been officially confirmed, unofficial proposals point to Wisdom Valley and December 2026 as likely options. The budget will cover logistics, infrastructure, security, and promotional activities to meet Tomorrowland’s international standards.
The announcement has sparked excitement among locals and business owners, who expect a surge in visitors. Hosting Tomorrowland aligns with the government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism and recover from economic setbacks caused by the global pandemic.
With a projected return of six times the investment, the festival is expected to strengthen Pattaya’s reputation as a hub for music and cultural events, according to The Pattaya News.
