12-8-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai government is moving ahead with ambitious plans to legalise casinos within entertainment complexes, a move that could potentially reshape the country’s tourism landscape and spark heated debate among its citizens.
Sources within the government have revealed that the Finance Ministry has completed the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act, a pivotal piece of legislation that aims to bring casino gambling out of the shadows and into regulated, purpose-built facilities. In adherence to Section 77 of the constitution, which mandates public participation in significant legislative changes, the bill is set to undergo a public hearing before being presented to the cabinet for consideration.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the proposed legislation would be a key topic of discussion at today’s monthly meeting of coalition party leaders and representatives at Government House. The bill seeks not only to legalise casinos but also to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the gambling industry.
Proponents of the bill argue that it could provide a significant boost to Thailand’s already robust tourism sector. The legislation contends that “promoting and regulating integrated entertainment complexes that meet standard requirements is an important measure to encourage domestic investment, which in turn will benefit the country and help support sustainable tourism.”
The draft bill, comprised of 65 sections, outlines stringent requirements for potential operators. Entertainment complexes would need to acquire a 30-year operational licence, with the possibility of a 10-year extension. The financial commitments are substantial, with operators required to pay a 5 billion baht registration fee and an annual payment of 1 billion baht. Regular assessments every five years would ensure ongoing compliance.
In an effort to mitigate potential social issues, the bill proposes strict age restrictions, prohibiting individuals under 20 from entering these venues. While open to all foreigners, Thai citizens would be required to pay a hefty entrance fee of 5,000 baht.
The government’s enthusiasm for the project is evident, with officials citing the enormous global business value of casino-based entertainment complexes. In 2022, this figure stood at US$1.5 trillion, with projections suggesting it could reach $2.2 trillion by 2028.
Comparisons have been drawn to successful casino operations in other territories, with Macau, Las Vegas, and Singapore highlighted as prime examples of the potential economic benefits. The government estimates that the project could generate at least 12 billion baht in taxes for Thailand in its first year of operation.
Five potential locations have been identified for these entertainment complexes: two in Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
However, the proposal has not been without its critics. Pariyes Angkurakitti, a spokesman for the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, has expressed concerns about the government’s ability to effectively regulate the casino industry, citing potential issues with law enforcement.
