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Some forms of gambling, such as betting on boxing and horse
racing, are allowed but casinos remain illegal in the Southeast
Asian country.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters following
the cabinet meeting the bill would also help attract more
investments and solve issues of illegal gambling
“It will benefit society as a whole in the future,” Paetongtarn
said. “This is part of the government’s policy to support
sustainable tourism, or man-made destinations, which was
addressed in Parliament.”
She said the Finance Ministry, which sponsored the bill, would
later provide more details about the plans, which are being
promoted as “entertainment complexes.”
The current government, which took office in September, has
pledged to make the country’s economic woes their top agenda.
The draft of the law, which was published online for public
viewing, says a casino would be allowed to operate within a
complex that also houses other businesses such as a hotel,
convention hall, mall or theme park. Those younger than 20 years
old will not be able to access the casinos, which will be open
to foreigners for free but Thai citizens must pay 5,000 baht
($148) for an entrance fee, according to the draft.
The bill will be submitted to the Office of the Council State
for review and then to Parliament to be discussed and voted on
by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, said
government spokesperson Jirayu Hoangsub.
“Isn’t it time for Thailand to acknowledge that there are
gambling places, both legal and illegal, in the country and also
the neighboring countries? This project aims to generate revenue
for the country’s tourism sector,” he said in a statement.
Tourism is the main drive of the Thai economy and has always
been the focus of the different administrations to improve the
economy.
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