Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Tourism operators in Thailand's Songkhla province are urging the government to consider an integrated entertainment complex featuring a legal casino. They believe it could revitalise the local tourism industry, particularly in border areas heavily reliant on Malaysian visitors.

 

Songchai Mungprasithichai, President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, sees potential in Ban Dan Nok and the area around the Sadao checkpoint. These regions, the main entry points in the South, could draw tourists interested in gambling.

 

“At present, tourism growth in Songkhla is mostly centred around Hat Yai, with Malaysian visitors frequently bypassing Ban Dan Nok,” Songchai pointed out. “Tourism operators in Ban Dan Nok report a quiet market. Even in Hat Yai, tourist numbers fluctuate compared to the past.”

 

During peak periods like the Songkran holiday in April and the Malaysian school holidays, occupancy rates climb to 90%. However, these figures typically drop by half post-holiday. Songchai mentioned that the demand for casino tourism would likely be high, citing the popularity of destinations like Genting in Malaysia, where legal casinos and resorts thrive. 

 

 

In March, Songkhla’s tourism income reached 3.7 billion baht, placing it tenth among Thai provinces. This impressive figure underscores the potential financial impact of a well-managed entertainment complex. 

 

Songchai also stressed the importance of regulating local gambling. He proposed clear regulations, such as a minimum income requirement for local gamblers. Moreover, he believes local communities should have a say in the establishment of a casino, considering the potential social impacts of legalised gambling.

 

Despite being an Islamic country, Malaysia permits legal casinos in Genting, noted Songchai. He suggested an entertainment complex should include a variety of attractions like hotels and shopping to appeal to a broader audience, not just gamblers.

 

The idea is to diversify Songkhla's tourism market beyond Malaysian visitors. Tourism operators have already engaged with the Tourism Authority of Thailand office in Kunming, China, aiming to attract more Chinese tourists via direct flights.

 

With new attractions like an entertainment complex, Songkhla could offer a blend of seaside destinations and entertainment activities, appealing to various demographics and revitalising local tourism.

 

-- 2024-05-23

 

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All that remain to see who is the 'lucky one' that will get the licence to run and operate the casino,

has to be someone that close to the decision makers and know the the 'rules' of such operation..

49 minutes ago, ezzra said:

All that remain to see who is the 'lucky one' that will get the licence to run and operate the casino,

has to be someone that close to the decision makers and know the the 'rules' of such operation..

Can you imagine the skimming and money laundering going on in a Thai casino.

It is not uncommon to see cars full of lads from Singapore coming across Sadao for a little bit of adult entertainment.  Maybe with this the parents will come along to gamble.