Thailand chooses casino complex locations as public outcry delays gambling bill

IMAGO

Thailand has unveiled a proposal to manufacture casino complexes in four locations within the country: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai and Phuket. 

This follows the January Cabinet approval of a bill that would see the nation incorporate legal gambling for the first time since 1936.

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The project is estimated to cost THB500bn (£11.4bn) and is the latest move by the government to enhance domestic tourism revenue and compete with the Philippines and Singapore - two crucial local markets. 

Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the special committee designated to oversee this initiative, disclosed that all four provinces had been chosen based on their importance to the tourism industry – which is predicted to welcome 40 million travellers this year. 

Moreover, Boonwiset anticipates that around 40,000 jobs will be created as a direct result of the scheme. 

On top of integrating casino facilities within each complex, Thai authorities plan to set up shopping centres, five-star hotels, amusement parks, sports fields and leisure arenas. 

Only 10% of each venue will be allotted to casino services. According to Boonwiset, investors have already displayed a keen interest in the project. 

Other districts, like Bangkok Port — a vital national transport and commercial hub — are being assessed by authorities as potential locations for mooted entertainment complexes.

Core to the proposition is an expectation that these new casino complexes will improve Thailand’s GDP – which, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is predicted to stand at £420bn by the end of 2025. 

Despite public pushback against the construction of retail casinos — with one survey detailing that more than half of those asked do not want Thailand to build physical betting establishments — the Thai Government remains steadfast in its bid to keep pace with nearby nations who have also entered the gambling industry. 

Meanwhile, anti-gambling groups and opposition parties have voiced concerns over regulatory issues, youth safeguarding legislation and money laundering dilemmas associated with gambling. 

One significant stumbling block is a requirement that all Thai citizens wanting to use the casino factilites must have at least THB50 million (£1.1m) in their bank account to participate in casino gaming, contradicting the government’s idea that residents and tourists can easily access retail gambling. 

In turn, protests have been held by those opposed to the bill outside Thailand’s Finance Ministry and Government House. 

Such demonstrations have had a tangible effect; the Government postponed a recent debate on the ‘Thailand Entertainment Complex Act’ as legislators reviewed public feedback. 

This discussion was set to be the final deliberation before signing the proposal into law. No replacement date has been announced at the time of writing.

On the contrary, supporters of the bill argue that ignoring the casino market would see Thailand fall behind neighbouring international competitors who have already introduced legal gambling infrastructure. 

Speaking to reporters, Thailand prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stated that patience would be required as the Government assesses the full spectrum of concerns presented by opposing forces: 

"I would like all details to be carefully reviewed. I don’t want the ministry to rush it to the Cabinet because Thailand has never had casinos before.”

A decision on whether to move forward with the bill is expected before the end of 2025. Should a deal be agreed upon, work shall commence on complexes in all four proposed cities.