Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law aimed at establishing legal casino resorts and entertainment complexes, marking a major step toward creating a regulated gaming industry. The legislation will be presented to Parliament in July. If passed, it will require approval from the Senate and final endorsement by the king before becoming law.
This significant development comes just hours after Prime Minister Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote in parliament. The proposed entertainment complexes are anticipated to boost tourism and attract substantial investment.
The entertainment complexes will serve as multi-purpose destinations, featuring water parks, amusement parks, shopping malls, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, and world-class sporting events.
New curbs for local gamblers
The approved draft law includes significant restrictions on Thai citizens wishing to gamble. The initial proposal includes a 5,000-baht entry fee.
However, Deputy Finance Minister of Thailand, Julapun Amornvivat has indicated that the financial requirement may be removed, as it would exclude a large portion of the population. Officials plan to introduce the draft in its current form and address potential amendments later in the legislative process.
Another key aspect of the legislation is the limitation on casino space, which cannot exceed ten percent of an entertainment complex’s total area. Policymakers have yet to finalise the locations and regulations, but multiple opinion polls indicate strong public support for the casino bill.
Lawmakers set to weigh in
The Ministry of Finance has outlined several potential benefits if the law is enacted. Annual tourist arrivals are expected to increase by five to ten percent, with each visitor projected to spend between US$1,296 to US$1,945 (€1,190 to €1,780). This surge in tourism could significantly boost the economy, with tourism revenue anticipated to rise from $3.5 billion (€3.2 billion) to $7 billion (€6.4 billion).
In addition to tourism growth, the legislation is expected to create between 9,000 to 15,300 new jobs, providing employment opportunities across various sectors. The country is also likely to see a surge in investment, exceeding $2.9 billion (€2.67 billion), as international and domestic investors capitalise on the development of entertainment complexes.
Furthermore, Thailand also stands to benefit from additional revenue, projected to range from $354 million (€326 million) to $1.1 billion (€1 billion) per year. Now, the bill is slated to be presented for a parliamentary debate. The bill must pass through the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate and receiving final approval from the king.
