By Editor

 

A panel of lawmakers submitted a report on Wednesday to Parliament, recommending the government issue a decree allowing “entertainment complexes” that include legal casinos to be built in key cities across the country.

 

“We’re focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money out of their pockets,” said Pichet Chuamuangphan, a lawmaker from the Pheu Thai Party, who is a vice chairman of the panel. “This will also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect hefty taxes for our economic security.”

 

Greater Bangkok would be ideal for the initial casino, followed by facilities in seaside southern provinces such as Phuket, Krabi or Phang Nga, Pichet said. 

 

His reported comments made no mention of possible locations in either Phetchaburi or Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, however it is hoped that a visit to Hua Hin by committee member Dr Saernsak Siriphanich on Friday (29th July) may shed some light on that tourism prospect.

 

The proposal comes as Thailand seeks to revive the all-important tourism industry, a key to rebooting the economy. The blueprint, if adopted, could help the country generate billions of dollars from foreign investors, travellers and Thai gamblers — who would otherwise spend gaming money in neighbouring countries, according to the panel.

 

At least 400 billion baht in additional tax revenue would be collected annually once several facilities are operating, he said.

 

The panel’s recommendations are built upon Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935, which prohibits most types of betting but contains a provision that gives the government powers to issue decrees or licences that green-light certain gaming activities and venues.

 

Public-private partnerships with domestic or foreign companies could be set up or the operating licences may be issued directly to private firms.

 

Either way, complexes must include facilities such as hotels, amusement parks and retail outlets, Mr Pichet said. Providing multiple activities will avoid the creation of gambling dens and broaden the appeal of the tourism industry, he said. 

 

Thais who are at least 20 and have a minimum 500,000 baht in bank accounts would be allowed to gamble, according to the proposal, which stipulates a minimum 30% tax on casino operators’ revenue.

 

With the blueprint’s submission Wednesday, lawmakers will next deliberate on whether to act on the recommendations, which could be concluded before a parliamentary recess in September, Mr Pichet said.

 

Source: https://royalcoastreview.com/2022/07/entertainment-complexes-recommended-to-allow-legal-casinos/

 

-- © Copyright Royal Coast Review 2022-07-29

 

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How many Thai's have 500K in the bank?

 

1 hour ago, Thailand said:

How many Thai's have 500K in the bank?

 

Heavens mate , don't you know they are just adding gambling for the flashy elite so they can keep the lower stuff for 'people in the know' and arrest a few 'uncooperative' people occasionally

Believe me. There are plenty of Thais with 500,000 or more in the bank. Hope this won’t drain them though. 

This would work well!

Anything involving "entertainment" in Thailand involves the mafia cops.....

1 hour ago, Thailand said:

How many Thai's have 500K in the bank?

 

There is a point in life where we must stop thinking about our selves and think about Thai people. Times are hard for them with prices going up each day on everything with no cost of living increases for those who have jobs. The government needs to think about the many not the few.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The blueprint, if adopted, could help the country generate billions of dollars from foreign investors, travellers and Thai gamblers — who would otherwise spend gaming money in neighbouring countries, according to the panel.

(my bold edit). Er yes, that has been obvious for decades. Neighbouring countries were aware of the advantages of having legal casinos, but Thailand alone has refused to introduce them. The excuse given has been that Thais have no self-control and many would plunge into poverty (a nice insult to the population, although valid), when the real reason has been that those in high places, the untouchables, would lose the billions they make from illegal casinos. And that is why my guess is that nothing will change.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

complexes must include facilities such as hotels, amusement parks and retail outlets

and a fishbowl

The "MONEY LENDERS" would love this!!!!!

Casinos will happen there within a few years.  The mafia and the government will work out who gets what grafts, kick backs, etc

Just now, gk10012001 said:

Casinos will happen there within a few years.  The mafia and the government will work out who gets what grafts, kick backs, etc

Can't get into the crowded pen to put the trough down!

It has been talked of for so many years already.....

Just now, jacko45k said:

Can't get into the crowded pen to put the trough down!

It has been talked of for so many years already.....

yeah I know. I've been going there since 2004.  COVID and loss of monies into Thailand may drive things to happening.  Time will tell

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

Can't get into the crowded pen to put the trough down!

It has been talked of for so many years already.....

After all, casinos is not "gambling".  They love to call it "Gaming" as california calls it as do other casinos.  It is just for fun,  It just happens to cost a lot in the end

If its done well, such as Singapore, it will succeed. If not it will be like Cambodia with Chinese entities scarring the landscape.

Why go to a stinking, cigarette smoke-filled environment when all casino games and (sports books) are available to be played online in the comfort of your own home? 
 

Just need a bank account in your home country and a VPN.
 

Too easy. 

Should have happened a long time ago.The thais that make the trip often to the borders and gamble will not have  do this now.The tourist who come will go anyway to the casino If they want.What follows with the illegal casino,s will also happen in the legal casino.So let it happen look at the borders  and the amount of thai baht that ends up there,they keep it in thailand.You  just have to see the bookies and the amount of money they take all over thailand

In a country with major systemic corruption, I fear this is going to be a nasty addition.  

Crime gangs and criminal individuals will love it to launder criminal proceeds, like all casinos.  The main reason is to legitimize ill-gotten gains to escape authorities.

 

Blind eyes will be turned to allow piles of crooked cash to poor into these places.  Just like other casinos - flying in VIPS with private planes full of cash to pump through the casino tables.  

 

Average Thai punters will lose their dough.  Gambling addictions will increase.  Expats and average tourists may go in for a punt, but really won't be the main draw cards for cash flows.  

 

Illegally run casinos at least mean it's not mainstream and keeps it being commercialized into the multi billion dollar industries.

 

Loan sharks, kidnappings, extortion, gang murders.  Here we go.  

The bank always wins.  

5 hours ago, Thailand said:

How many Thai's have 500K in the bank?

 

I'm utterly shocked by the naivety of this comment. Have you been to Bangkok and seen the European cars driving round the City at 3 times European prices. Have you drank in any of the packed bars where people sit and drink wine at 3 times European prices. The amount of money is staggering. You need to open your eyes

26 minutes ago, Nemises said:

Why go to a stinking, cigarette smoke-filled environment when all casino games and (sports books) are available to be played online in the comfort of your own home? 
 

Just need a bank account in your home country and a VPN.
 

Too easy. 

They will be none smoking

1 minute ago, Tiredofglasshalfemptyexpat said:

They will be none smoking

As most are these days anyway

7 minutes ago, aussienam said:

In a country with major systemic corruption, I fear this is going to be a nasty addition.  

Crime gangs and criminal individuals will love it to launder criminal proceeds, like all casinos.  The main reason is to legitimize ill-gotten gains to escape authorities.

 

Blind eyes will be turned to allow piles of crooked cash to poor into these places.  Just like other casinos - flying in VIPS with private planes full of cash to pump through the casino tables.  

 

Average Thai punters will lose their dough.  Gambling addictions will increase.  Expats and average tourists may go in for a punt, but really won't be the main draw cards for cash flows.  

 

Illegally run casinos at least mean it's not mainstream and keeps it being commercialized into the multi billion dollar industries.

 

Loan sharks, kidnappings, extortion, gang murders.  Here we go.  

The bank always wins.  

Crime gangs will use them to launder money? You are talking about 4-5 casinos owned by the most well connected families with Government oversight. You really think they will launder money or just reap massive profits. Think about it!

1 minute ago, Tiredofglasshalfemptyexpat said:

They will be none smoking

Where does it say that?

Just now, Nemises said:

Where does it say that?

It doesn't but as it's the law and they will be a huge focus on them ... what do you think? 

 

11 minutes ago, Tiredofglasshalfemptyexpat said:

It doesn't 

 

Of course it doesn’t. So please stop posting speculations.
 

Thanks. 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

“We’re focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money out of their pockets,” said Pichet Chuamuangphan, a lawmaker from the Pheu Thai Party, who is a vice chairman of the panel. “This will also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect hefty taxes for our economic security.”

Only after ones money ,nothing else matters.

Casinos are legalized theft centers.....

 

About 95% of people lose money there....

 

And with the remaining 5% winners almost all go back and lose their winnings....

 

Only a very few walk with winnings and don't go back.....

 

 

4 hours ago, edwardflory said:

The "MONEY LENDERS" would love this!!!!!

Most money lenders will run away from people wanting money to gamble.  The ROI is <deleted> and there is no hope of getting as anything back.  Pawnshop could do a good business but the 500k in bank will cause issues.

 

Question does nana plaza qualify as an entertainment area

1 minute ago, kingstonkid said:

Most money lenders will run away from people wanting money to gamble.  The ROI is <deleted> and there is no hope of getting as anything back.  Pawnshop could do a good business but the 500k in bank will cause issues.

 

Question does nana plaza qualify as an entertainment area

I am certain that at least two places on ThongLor will though.

7 hours ago, Thailand said:

How many Thai's have 500K in the bank?

 

Many I’m sure

2 hours ago, Nemises said:

Of course it doesn’t. So please stop posting speculations.
 

Thanks. 

No Casinos in Macao allow smoking.....and there are plenty. 

They used to 20yrs ago then banned it.