Thailand Casino Project Takes Another Twist
The Thai government is advancing plans to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes, with key decisions about the locations of these facilities resting with the government itself. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has emphasized that this centralized approach aims to create a fair environment for investors, preventing any manipulation of the selection process.
Thailand Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat in a press conference. (Source: The Bangkok Post)
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:By taking control of location decisions, the government seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest, especially where landowners may push for projects on their own property. The government will also decide how many casino-integrated complexes will be developed nationwide.
Related: Thailand May Have Casino Laws in Place by October 2025Once a final count is determined, it will be submitted to the cabinet for approval. These complexes are expected to drive significant economic growth, with each project requiring an investment of at least THB100 billion (US$2.92 billion).
Construction is anticipated to take three to four years, with projections indicating a 0.2% annual boost to GDP during development and up to 0.7% annually once the facilities are fully operational. Studies have suggested that these entertainment complexes could transform Thailand's tourism industry by attracting more international visitors.
Research by the Fiscal Policy Office estimates that these facilities could draw an additional 5 to 20% in foreign tourist numbers. Average spending per visitor is also expected to increase from THB40,000 to THB60,000 (US$1,169 to $1,754), providing a substantial uplift to the local economy and further supporting the nation's broader economic goals.The casino legalization bill has undergone a public hearing phase, with feedback being incorporated into a final proposal. This proposal is slated to be presented to the cabinet before the end of the year, with officials confident that it will pass parliamentary approval by 2025.
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A Step in the Right Direction
The legislation is a central component of the Pheu Thai-led government's broader policy agenda, with coalition discussions continuing to secure widespread support for the initiative. It outlines a comprehensive regulatory framework for casino operations.
Operators will be required to pay an initial licensing fee of THB5 billion (about $146 million) and an annual fee of THB1 billion (US$29 million). Licenses will have a validity of up to 30 years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 10 years following periodic reviews conducted every five years.
To ensure proper oversight, the policy board tasked with regulating the industry will be chaired by the prime minister. Specific measures to regulate access include an age restriction, barring individuals under 20 years old from entering the facilities.
While foreign tourists will have unrestricted access, Thai nationals will need to pay an entrance fee of THB5,000 (around $146). The government has identified five potential sites for these complexes, including two in Bangkok and one each in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Among international operators, Macau-based Galaxy Entertainment has already expressed interest in developing a project in Bangkok. Other potential investors have yet to disclose their preferences, but industry anticipation remains high.
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