The Thai cabinet has taken a significant step toward legalizing casinos by approving the Entertainment Complex Bill, a draft law designed to invigorate the country’s tourism sector and combat illegal gambling. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the move on Monday, emphasizing the bill’s potential to drive investment and economic growth while creating thousands of jobs.
A Transformative Move for Tourism
If enacted, the bill would allow casinos to operate within expansive entertainment complexes that combine gambling with attractions such as theme parks, shopping malls, hotels, and venues for local sports like Muay Thai boxing and cockfighting. These integrated resorts aim to elevate Thailand’s appeal to international and domestic tourists, providing diverse entertainment options.
The government projects that legalized gambling could increase foreign tourist arrivals by 5-10% and boost tourism revenue by up to 220 billion baht ($6.32 billion). Additionally, the initiative is expected to generate 9,000 to 15,000 new jobs.
“Legalization will protect the public and would also generate more state revenue,” Paetongtarn stated, underscoring the bill’s role in regulating existing illicit gambling activities.
Initial Licenses and Locations
The proposed legislation includes a plan to issue five initial casino licenses, with two earmarked for Bangkok and one each for Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. These locations were selected to maximize accessibility and economic impact, aligning with Thailand’s broader efforts to rejuvenate its tourism-dependent economy.
The bill, which will now move to Parliament for deliberation, has faced pushback from conservative groups and concerns about crime and morality. A 2021 poll revealed public ambivalence toward gambling legalization, with nearly half of respondents opposing the idea.
Challenges and Criticism
Critics, including the Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF), argue that the bill deviates from Singapore’s integrated resort model, which emphasizes non-gaming attractions like luxury hotels and cultural venues. SGF secretary general Thanakorn Komkrit stated, “The draft bill is considered to still have many weaknesses. It is not yet appropriate to pass.”
The Council of State, a government advisory body, has also voiced opposition, suggesting that the bill prioritizes gambling over entertainment and lacks adequate provisions for problem gambling resources and taxation transparency.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, however, defended the bill as a driver of economic growth. “This project aims to generate revenue for the country’s tourism sector,” he said, noting that the law could position Thailand alongside regional neighbors like Singapore, Cambodia, and the Philippines, which have successfully integrated large-scale casino resorts into their economies.
Industry Interest and Future Prospects
International gaming giants, including Macau-based Melco Resorts, have expressed interest in Thailand’s potential casino market. Melco recently announced plans to open an office in Bangkok, signaling readiness to compete for a license once regulations are finalized.
The Entertainment Complex Bill, if passed, could mark a turning point for Thailand’s tourism and gaming industries. With its focus on economic growth and regulation, the legislation aims to bring Thailand into a competitive position in the Southeast Asian entertainment and casino market.
Source:
Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Legalizing Gambling, thediplomat.com, January 14, 2025.