The Thai government has introduced a draft bill to regulate the country’s burgeoning casino industry, aiming to establish a central regulatory body based in Bangkok with branches throughout Thailand. This 22-page draft, released by Thailand’s Council of State, is open for public comment until August 18.
The proposed legislation outlines a comprehensive framework for overseeing integrated entertainment venues, including casinos. The central regulatory authority, headquartered in Bangkok, will be tasked with the regulation, supervision, control, promotion, and support of these venues.
Governance and Structure
The bill proposes the creation of a Policy Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, to oversee key regulatory policies. This committee will be responsible for setting management guidelines, issuing licenses, determining tax rates, and establishing criteria for entry levies and casino floor space. The Deputy Prime Minister will act as Vice Chairman, supported by nine senior officials from various ministries, including finance, tourism, and justice.
An Executive Committee, led by an individual appointed by the Prime Minister, will manage the regulatory body’s budget and staffing. This committee will include nine permanent secretaries from relevant ministries and three additional experts selected by the Prime Minister. These expert members, all Thai nationals with experience in economics, law, or social sciences, must not be current government officials and must have clean criminal and political records.
The draft bill envisions a significant boost to Thailand’s tourism sector, with projections estimating an increase of $12 billion in tourism revenue. Integrated entertainment venues will feature a variety of businesses, including department stores, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and amusement parks. Proposed locations for these complexes include Greater Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chonburi (Pattaya), all within proximity to major airports.
International casino giants like Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Resorts, and Las Vegas Sands have already shown interest in entering the Thai market. The bill suggests a 17 percent tax on gross gaming revenue, reflecting earlier proposals, and a reasonable entry levy for Thai nationals, similar to Singapore’s model.
Integrated resorts will be required to include at least four types of entertainment businesses, such as restaurants or cultural areas. Although legal gambling in Thailand is currently restricted to state-controlled horse racing and lotteries, illegal gambling remains prevalent.
Following Cabinet approval, the bill will proceed to Parliament for debate and potential amendments. The Policy Committee, under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, will guide the development and enforcement of regulations, while a new entity, the Comprehensive Entertainment Commission, will handle day-to-day operations. Operators will face significant financial commitments, including an initial license fee of 5 billion baht ($141.9 million), an application fee of 100,000 baht, and an annual fee of 1 billion baht. Thai nationals will pay a 5,000 baht entry fee for each casino visit.
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