Thailand is preparing to bring in entertainment complexes that include legal casinos, but with strong rules to manage who can enter and how gambling will be controlled. The goal, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is to support responsible gambling while boosting tourism and attracting private investment.
Good to know
- Entry requirements will include background checks and financial screenings.
- The complexes will also include hotels and event venues—not just casinos.
- Private investors, not taxpayers, will fund the projects.
As reported by the Bangkok Post on Sunday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn discussed the initiative during her monthly “Empowering Thais” broadcast. She explained that Thailand plans to follow the casino model used by countries such as Singapore and Japan.
According to her, natural beauty alone does not bring consistent tourism. “They know that sand, sun, sea are not enough any longer. There must be manmade (attractions). We don’t want Thailand to miss the trend,” she said, pointing to developed countries like the US, Japan, and the UAE that have already shifted toward this direction.
Japan, for example, plans to turn the Osaka Expo 2025 site into a long-term entertainment hub after the event ends. Prime Minister Paetongtarn believes Thailand should also invest in such destinations to avoid low tourism seasons and bring in visitors year-round.
She stressed that casinos would only be one part of a larger complex, which would also include hotels, concert halls, and more. The goal is to create full-scale entertainment areas, not just gambling venues.
Visitors would need to pass strict entry requirements. Their financial status and criminal history could be reviewed to ensure responsible participation. “Entertainment complexes will not lead Thailand to its worst vices,” she said.
The prime minister also clarified that these projects would not be paid for by the government or taxpayers. Instead, private investors would handle the development. In return, the state would earn income through taxes paid by casino visitors. “The investment will enable the government to collect more taxes,” she added.
Some political opponents have criticized the proposal. Paetongtarn responded by saying such criticism is designed to create confusion and win political points. She reiterated that the country’s model would draw heavily from Singapore’s approach.
Thailand now looks to follow a global trend where entertainment hubs offer more than just natural beauty—without relying on public funds.
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