Tomorrowland Thailand organiser expects loss as debut budget rises
Tickets sold out within an hour, but staging costs have climbed to about ฿2 billion from ฿1.6 billion.
The organiser of Thailand’s first Tomorrowland festival expects the sold-out event to make a loss after its budget increased to about ฿2 billion from ฿1.6 billion. The electronic dance music festival is scheduled for December 11–13 at Wisdom Valley in Chon Buri, with daily capacity of 50,000.
Rachata Thunyavuthi, an executive board member at WEAREONE.WORLD (Thailand) Co Ltd, told Bangkok Biznews and The Nation that peak demand for outdoor events across Asia in December had caused equipment shortages in Thailand, requiring imports. He said about 60% of spending was for the debut, while the remainder covered site development and costs benefiting later editions.
Sponsorship has fallen below expectations, with ThaiBev group’s Crystal drinking water the only confirmed sponsor. Rachata said restrictions on sponsor branding on festival structures could leave Thai businesses questioning the benefits of participating.
He said annual government support of ฿400 million was insufficient for the festival’s theme-park setting. The Cabinet endorsed ฿2 billion in support for the 2026–2030 hosting programme.
The Belgian partners want to remain for five years, but their participation depends on commitments being fulfilled and the reception of the inaugural festival, Rachata said. A successful debut and continued Cabinet commitments could allow an expansion to two consecutive weekends in 2027.
Buyers from 196 countries snapped up tickets within an hour, with Thais accounting for about 25%, the largest single group. Hotel occupancy in Pattaya for the festival dates has reached 99%, while room prices are roughly three times normal levels. The organiser has asked hotels to avoid excessive increases that could deter repeat visits.
