Thailand's opposition People's Party has warned the government about its casino project, saying revisions to the entertainment complex plan could open the door to shady business dealings. Nont Pisarnlimjaroenkit, a People's Party MP for Nonthaburi, raised the concerns in parliament, according to a Bangkok Post report published on 18 September 20241.
Nont said the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expects to generate new income by bringing underground businesses into the tax system, including an entertainment complex with a casino, to combat illegal gambling and bring in additional funds for the country1. He said the government has not specified whether it wants a complex that rivals Macau's upscale casino services or one resembling casinos run by neighboring countries, and that it has not anticipated the effects of legalizing casinos1.
The MP pointed to current penalties as too light. Gamblers face a fine of only 2,000 baht, while operators face a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 baht and/or up to two years in jail1. He said the planned 5,000 baht admission fee for Thai nationals at the entertainment complex could be too high and would probably push them into illegal or online gambling, and that stronger legal frameworks were required before a casino opens1. He also raised worries about law enforcement, citing recent reports that senior police were engaged in illicit activities and online gambling operations1.
Nont said the bill lessens certain requirements, eliminating options that would have been included, such as a sizeable conference center, a one-stop wellness center, and five- or six-star hotels1.
"If these fundamental issues are not resolved, an entertainment complex may become a breeding ground for more shady businesses in the future"
He added: "Rather than having a well-regulated entertainment facility, the initiative will favor bosses or capitalists who can control the casinos around the nation," and asked the government to examine all features of the project before proceeding1.
What it means for players
Thailand has not legalized casino gambling, so the bill under debate would set the rules for any future entertainment complex rather than change what is legal today. Under current penalties cited in parliament, a gambler faces a fine of only 2,000 baht, while operators face 20,000 to 200,000 baht and/or up to two years in jail1. The proposed 5,000 baht entry fee would apply to Thai nationals, not foreign visitors, under the plan described1. The wider picture of what is legal across the region is set out in our guide to gambling laws in Asia, and the status of pending casino bills in our tracker of new casino laws in Asia. For the current rules in the country, see Can I Gamble in Thailand?, and for the legal position on betting with overseas operators, see Is It Illegal to Use Offshore Gambling Sites in Asia?.
What happens next
The bill remains before parliament. No date for a vote or for the opening of any entertainment complex has been reported1.
Sources1 sources
- Bangkok Post - Opposition warns of ‘shady’ side to casinos, bangkokpost.com
