A measure that would allow Thailand to have its first casino resorts is getting closer to approval; while this step is expected to bring about economic benefits, scholars have severe worries about it. Although the government hopes that casino resorts will boost tourism, provide employment, and curtail illicit gaming, academics are dubious about the possible consequences to society.
If the proposed legislation is approved, locals would be able to bet at these casinos, but they would have to pay 5,000 baht each time they visited. Conversely, foreign visitors would have to pay the same sum each year. The government claims that by producing thousands of jobs and generating significant tax income, these resorts will provide Thailand a competitive advantage over nearby nations like Japan, which is also growing its casino business.
However, economists like Chidtawan Chanakul warn that the benefits may not outweigh the drawbacks. Chanakul points to international studies that highlight the hidden costs associated with legalizing gambling in Thailand. “A study in the US has found that for every dollar earned from casinos in Las Vegas, the US government has to pay 3 dollars to remedy the impact of casinos. It is therefore not worthwhile,” she explained. Chanakul also criticized the notion that casino-related jobs would provide meaningful economic value, labeling them as low-skilled and unlikely to contribute to Thailand’s economic growth.
Corruption Concerns Cloud the Potential Benefits
Another significant concern is corruption, which many fear could undermine the potential benefits of casino resorts. Chanakul compared Thailand’s situation to that of Singapore, a country often cited as a successful example of regulated gambling. However, she argued that Singapore’s success is largely due to its low levels of corruption, a stark contrast to Thailand’s situation, which she likened more to the Philippines, where corruption remains a major issue.
The director of the Centre for Gambling Studies, Nualnoi Trirat, expressed similar worries. Given the current levels of corruption, she questioned if the government could properly supervise and control the industry. Trirat worries that the opening of casino resorts can have negative effects on society and increase gambling addiction if there is no tight regulation.
The argument about possible economic benefits vs the possibility of societal harm is still very much alive as Thailand is ready to make a final vote on the bill. It will take time to know if the gamble pays off or has unanticipated implications.
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