6-9-2024 (BANGKOK) Thailand’s government has announced its intention to proceed with plans for a ambitious entertainment complex that will include casinos. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat revealed on Thursday that the project has garnered significant public support, with 80% of participants in a recent public hearing expressing approval for the initiative.
The proposed development marks a dramatic shift in Thailand’s traditionally conservative stance on gambling. Mr Julapun, a prominent figure in the coalition-leading Pheu Thai Party, disclosed that the Ministry of Finance has drafted a bill to legalise entertainment complexes, with casinos forming a crucial component. This legislation is set to undergo further refinement based on feedback from the public consultation before being presented to the cabinet for coalition party scrutiny.
Should the bill receive backing from coalition partners, it will then be forwarded to the Council of State for examination prior to its introduction in the House of Representatives. This careful approach underscores the contentious nature of gambling in Thai society, where most forms of betting remain illegal despite widespread underground activities.
The Finance Ministry’s recent study projects that the entertainment complex could attract a predominantly domestic clientele, with Thai gamblers expected to comprise up to 90% of visitors. This forecast has raised concerns about the potential social impact of legalised gambling on local communities.
Prospective operators face stringent requirements, including a minimum registered capital of 10 billion baht and the need to secure a licence from the Entertainment Complex Policy Committee. These licences, valid for 30 years with potential extensions, come with a hefty price tag of 5 billion baht, plus an annual fee of 1 billion baht.
In an effort to mitigate potential harm, the government plans to implement a casino entrance fee for Thai nationals, capped at 5,000 baht per person. This measure aims to deter excessive gambling while ensuring the complex remains an attractive destination for international tourists.
The push for legalised gambling in Thailand is not without precedent. Previous administrations have attempted similar initiatives, citing potential economic benefits such as job creation, increased state revenues, and enhanced tourism appeal. However, these efforts have consistently faced opposition from conservative factions within Thai society.
The current drive is largely attributed to the influence of Thaksin Shinawatra, father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and a powerful force behind the scenes. Thaksin has publicly advocated for the regulation and taxation of online gambling and the formalisation of Thailand’s substantial underground economy.
Proponents of the casino complex argue that Thailand risks falling behind its Southeast Asian neighbours, several of which have already embraced legalised gambling. Countries like Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar, and the Philippines have established casino industries, many of which cater heavily to Thai and Chinese tourists on weekend gambling excursions.
