The Thai government is preparing to move forward with a plan that could reshape its entertainment and tourism sectors. As reported by the Bangkok Post on Saturday, a new bill aimed at legalising entertainment complexes, including casinos, will be a top priority when parliament meets in July, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Good to know
- Investment per complex in Bangkok could reach up to 300 billion baht.
- Visitors to casino areas will need to register and be monitored by surveillance.
- Discussions are also underway with theme park, sports, and tech-based entertainment firms.
In the past two weeks, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts met with Mr Julapun and expressed strong interest in bringing their operations to Thailand. These companies already run major casino-resort properties in other parts of the world and are now assessing Thailand’s potential for future projects.
Mr Julapun noted that Thailand’s current infrastructure — especially in Bangkok — supports such development. The city’s transit systems, international airport access, and nearly 40 million yearly tourist arrivals make it appealing for major investors.
He added that only five to seven top-tier global operators dominate this sector, and many see Thailand as an ideal place to expand.
Investment range and project scope
While earlier estimates suggested 100 billion baht per site, new figures suggest that each complex in Bangkok could require an investment between 200 billion and 300 billion baht. Mr Julapun said the final number of approved complexes will likely range from three to five, with a hard cap of seven.
Beyond casino operators, the government is also reaching out to theme park developers, event organizers, and companies specializing in immersive experiences using augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These discussions are expected to continue in the coming weeks.
Measures to manage risks
Responding to concerns about gambling addiction and potential money laundering, Mr Julapun pointed out that the oversight at these complexes will be strict. Every visitor must register, and almost the entire casino area will be covered by surveillance cameras.
“The level of control in entertainment complex casinos is actually stricter than in the banking sector,” he said.
He stressed that these casinos will not resemble the illegal dens currently operating along the border or in outer parts of Bangkok. Instead, they will follow international regulations and be fully monitored.
Tackling gambling addiction
To support responsible gambling, the plan includes intervention systems involving family members and structured support programs. These efforts aim to assist individuals dealing with gambling problems rather than simply banning access.
There is also a proposed condition requiring Thai nationals to have at least 50 million baht in their bank account to enter casinos. Mr Julapun said that while this might address some public concerns, it will not resolve the wider issue of underground gambling networks.
The full text of the bill will be submitted in July, and lawmakers are expected to debate its details during the session.
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