A panel of lawmakers submitted a report to Parliament on Wednesday recommending the government issue a decree allowing "entertainment complexes" that include legal casinos to be built in key cities across the country1. The proposal is aimed at attracting foreign money and luring more tourists to revive the pandemic-hit economy1.
The panel said Greater Bangkok would be ideal for the initial casino, followed by facilities in seaside southern provinces such as Phuket, Krabi or Phang Nga1. Chiang Mai in the north and Chonburi, home to Pattaya, were also named as contenders among Thailand's 77 provinces1. The report said complexes must include facilities such as hotels, amusement parks and retail outlets1. Public-private partnerships with domestic or foreign companies could be set up, or operating licenses may be issued directly to private firms1.
Under the proposal, Thais who are at least 20 and have a minimum 500,000 baht in bank accounts would be allowed to gamble1. The plan stipulates a minimum 30% tax on casino operators' revenue1. At least 400 billion baht in additional tax revenue would be collected annually once several facilities are operating, according to panel vice chairman Pichet Chuamuangphan1.
"We're focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money out of their pockets. This will also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect hefty taxes for our economic security."
The recommendations are built upon Thailand's Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits most types of betting but contains a provision giving the government powers to issue decrees or licenses that green-light certain gaming activities and venues1. The report said casinos in Poipet, a Cambodian city across the border, "are fed by Thai gamblers"1. Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Angela Hanlee and Kai Lin Choo said in a March report that foreigner-only properties in Vietnam and South Korea "showed how casinos suffer without steady foot traffic"1.
What it means for players
Thailand currently prohibits most types of betting under the Gambling Act of 1935, and no casino licenses have been issued1. The panel's proposal would not change the law immediately. If adopted, it would allow Thai nationals aged at least 20 with a minimum 500,000 baht in bank accounts to gamble at the new complexes1. Foreign visitors would also be able to use the facilities, though the report does not set out separate entry conditions for them1. The proposal does not address online gambling, and no change to the rules on online play has been reported1.
What happens next
Lawmakers will next deliberate on whether to act on the recommendations, which could be concluded before a parliamentary recess in September, Pichet said1. No date for a vote has been reported1.
