Thailand’s casino plans one step closer with draft bill approval
Legalized casino gambling in Thailand appears closer on the horizon after the country’s Prime Minister confirmed the approval of a draft bill to establish land-based casino venues.
In September last year, a public consultation indicated consent for the plans of the new Bangkok administration to shake up the gambling landscape and now Prime Minister Pateogntarn Shinawatra will push ahead with the proposals.
The daughter of the former Thai premier, billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra who is a key proponent of the reforms, was sworn in as PM last August but the ambition to deliver large-scale casino resorts predates her appointment, having been on the government’s agenda for a significant time.
Previous attempts for such proposals in Thailand have been thwarted, partly due to formidable opposition from conservative figures in the majority Buddhist. The incumbent cabinet has approved the plans, which will now go to parliament to be debated.
At present, only limited forms of gambling are legal in the South East-Asian nation, including government-controlled horse racing and the official lottery draw. At the same time, illicit betting is rife, largely concentrated on elite soccer and underground gaming with zero government oversight or regulation.
Thailand also does not see any tax revenue from this widespread activity.
As reported by Reuters, PM Shinawatra said, “Legalisation will protect the public and would also generate more state revenue.”
https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1878675812590768557
Regional competition for gambling resorts and tourism.There is also the wider regional landscape for Thailand to consider. Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, and the Philippines are benefitting from similar gambling and entertainment complexes which provide an appeal to tourists, something the Thais cannot offer at present.
South Korea is also one step ahead in this regard after the Mohegan Inspire resort opened last year.
The next step for Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai government is to get the draft legislation approved in parliament, a feat that is yet to be achieved but it also appears closer than ever before.
Image credit: Via Midjourney
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