Thai Finance Ministry Plays the Long Game on Casino Plans

[webfact]

 

The Finance Ministry is prioritising flood recovery in the North of the country before advancing its ambitious plans for a casino-entertainment complex, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.

 

While the topic has garnered interest within the government’s coalition partners, Mr Julapun stressed that there is "no rush" to move forward.

 

The proposed casino plan, part of the Pheu Thai-led government's policy statement, awaits discussion among coalition parties to ensure alignment before any action is taken.

 

The bill to legitimise casinos has already seen positive feedback during its public consultation, as required by the constitution, and it is set to enter the cabinet's consideration later this year.

 

However, detailed scrutiny and debates amongst stakeholders are expected to shape its final form significantly.

 

A crucial committee will be tasked with selecting potential locations for these complexes, considering tourism strategies. As of now, possible venues include two in Bangkok and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

 

An independent agency will conduct a thorough feasibility study, assessing job creation prospects and community impacts.

 

The Finance Ministry's proposal includes setting up a policy board, chaired by the prime minister, to oversee these gaming complexes. A licence, valid for up to 30 years, will be mandatory for operations, costing 5 billion baht upfront and an annual fee of 1 billion baht.

 

Despite interest from six major businesses, the thought-out approach mirrors a collaborative government vision. Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has highlighted the need for coalition dialogue before cabinet submission. His scepticism over resolving illegal gambling suggests further discourse is vital.

 

In parallel, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is gearing up to meet with business leaders to explore economic enhancement strategies.

 

An agenda centred around improving competitiveness and providing support to SMEs ensures economic issues remain at the forefront, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Picture courtesy: Wikimedia

 

-- 2024-10-28

 

 

[brianthainess]

16 minutes ago, webfact said:

While the topic has garnered interest within the government’s coalition partners, Mr Julapun stressed that there is "no rush" to move forward.

There will never be a 'Rush' to move forward in Thailand, not with this Government.

[topt]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has highlighted the need for coalition dialogue before cabinet submission.

Didn't Chidchob have a recent meeting with TS during which he said he was against it? 

 

oh only a week or so ago - 

 

[OneZero]

Every other day we read about 50 new steps that must be taken prior to final decision.  Never ending.

 

Meanwhile there are still some asinine gov't decision makers that feel a highly expensive life cycle CCP submarine is what the Thai people require.  Ridiculous.

[Dave0206]

I enjoy the odd football bet myself so I'm not going to preach about the sins of gambling. 

The Asians as a whole do seem to love gambling and the easier you make it the worse it's going to be for those that can least afford it.

In saying that people in government seem to make strange decisions go back a few years and I don't think anyone of us would have thought weed shops would be legal and everywhere