Thailand’s Cabinet approves a draft bill to legalize casinos to boost tourism and economy
Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft bill to legalize casinos as part of broader entertainment complexes, aiming to boost tourism and stimulate the nation's economy. This initiative, known as the Entertainment Complex Bill, is a significant shift in Thailand's approach to gambling, which has been largely prohibited under the 1935 Gambling Act.
Key Provisions of the Draft Bill:
- Integrated Resorts: Casinos would operate within large-scale entertainment complexes that include hotels, shopping malls, convention centers, and theme parks. The casino area would be limited to 10% of the total complex space.
- Access Restrictions: Thai nationals would be required to pay a 5,000 baht (approximately $147) entry fee and demonstrate a minimum of 50 million baht (around $1.4 million) in bank deposits to access casino areas. These measures aim to limit local participation and focus on attracting foreign tourists.
- Economic Impact: The government anticipates that the legalization of casinos could attract at least 100 billion baht ($2.9 billion) in new investments and increase annual foreign tourist arrivals by 5% to 10%. Additionally, it's expected to generate more than 12 billion baht ($350 million) in annual revenue and create up to 20,000 jobs.
The draft bill will be submitted to the Office of the Council of State for review before being presented to Parliament for discussion and voting. If passed, it will require approval from both the Senate and the King to become law.
While the government projects significant economic benefits, the proposal has faced criticism. Opponents argue that legalizing casinos could lead to increased social issues, such as gambling addiction and crime. A recent public opinion poll indicated that a substantial portion of the population is skeptical about the bill's potential impact on society.
The government's move aligns with trends in neighboring countries like Singapore and the Philippines, which have successfully integrated casinos into their tourism sectors. However, the Thai government emphasizes that the primary goal is to stimulate economic growth and reduce illegal gambling activities by providing a regulated alternative.