The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) announced on Tuesday its plans for two major projects: transforming the 50,000-seat Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok into a “smart stadium,” and constructing a new sports complex in Chon Buri province to serve as the new national stadium.
SAT governor Kongsak Yodmanee detailed the Rajamangala revamp, projected to cost about 5 billion baht. The renovation will enhance the security system and integrate advanced technology facilities within the arena located in Bangkok’s Hua Mak area.
He emphasized the necessity of the upgrade for the 36-year-old stadium, a venue for significant sporting events such as the 13th Asian Games in 1998, stating it was significantly overdue.
Rajamangala, a significant landmark in the capital, has hosted concerts for globally famous artists on their world tours, including BLACKPINK, Harry Styles, Jay Chou, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and BamBam.
“SAT will invite private partners to invest in making Rajamangala more modern, so it can proudly represent Thailand to international audiences,” he said, adding that the bidding process is expected to commence by the end of the year.
The second initiative involves constructing a new sports complex on a land area between 1,500 and 2,000 rai in the Bang Lamung district of Chonburi, which will be leased from the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Office.
“The second project will cost around 10 billion baht, to be funded by the government budget and private investors under public private partnership model,” he said.
“The new complex will serve as a new national stadium and handle both sport and concert events that contribute to the economy of the EEC area.”
Kongsak pointed out that the new stadium would be conveniently accessible by road and rail and is close to the U-Tapao International Airport, offering an alternative to the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok’s congested areas.
Plans for the new stadium will soon be submitted to SAT’s committees, and subsequently to the cabinet for approval, as required for developments within the EEC area, according to Kongsak.
