The Thai government is moving forward with plans to establish casino-entertainment complexes, contingent on the approval of a bill to legalize gambling. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said that the government would determine the locations of these complexes to ensure fairness in the bidding process, the Bangkok Post reported on Saturday.
Julapun explained that allowing the government to choose the sites prevents any bidder from gaining an unfair advantage by tailoring specifications to suit their own properties. “Some investors may have their own land and want to push a casino-entertainment complex to be constructed on their land,” he added.
A committee will decide how many complexes will be built and submit its recommendations to the cabinet for approval. According to the Deputy Finance Minister, the project has the potential to transform the country’s tourism industry, attracting more visitors and increasing their spending.
The investment required for each complex is estimated at a minimum of 100 billion baht. Construction could take three to four years, boosting GDP by 0.2% annually during that period. Once operational, the complexes are expected to contribute 0.7% to GDP each year.
A Fiscal Policy Office study suggests these entertainment hubs could increase foreign tourist numbers by 5–20%, with average spending per visitor rising from 40,000 baht to 60,000 baht.
The proposed bill outlines a 30-year operational license for each complex, renewable for an additional 10 years. Operators must pay a registration fee of 5 billion baht and an annual payment of 1 billion baht. Every complex will be evaluated every five years to ensure compliance with regulations.
The bill also includes age restrictions and entry fees. While all foreigners can enter freely, Thai citizens must pay an entrance fee of 5,000 baht. Visitors under 20 years of age will not be allowed access.
The legislation has progressed steadily, with a public hearing completed in August. The Ministry of Finance plans to present the bill, along with public feedback, to the cabinet by the end of the year. A policy board, chaired by the prime minister, will oversee the rules governing these complexes.
Potential locations for the casino complexes include two venues in Bangkok, one in the Eastern Economic Corridor, and others in Chiang Mai and Phuket.
The casino project aligns with the Pheu Thai-led government’s broader economic policies, as outlined by Premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra in September. Coalition partners, including Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, have indicated that the proposal requires further discussion before it reaches the cabinet.
The government remains optimistic about the economic and tourism benefits the complexes could bring, positioning the initiative as a major step in enhancing Thailand’s global appeal. On top of that, the new Thai casino resorts are expected to bring in $15 billion in revenues on an annual basis.
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