Macau's Melco Expands in Thailand Amid Tourism Boom

[webfact]

File photo: Macao Studio City. Courtesy Wikipedia

 

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, a prominent casino operator from Macau, has set its sights on Thailand's thriving tourism industry with the opening of a new office in the vibrant city of Bangkok. This strategic move is a clear indication of Melco's ambition to dive into the lucrative market of entertainment and hospitality within Thailand, provided that gambling regulations shift towards legalisation.

 

Lawrence Ho, the chairman and chief executive at Melco, expressed his enthusiasm about Thailand's strong potential as a premier destination for integrated resorts. Known for its rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality, Thailand offers an enticing canvas for future projects. An anticipated draw is the latest season of HBO's "The White Lotus," filmed in Thailand, expected to further enhance the country's global tourism profile.

 

During a recent event organised by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA), Ho elaborated on Melco’s commitment to seeking out collaborative opportunities within Thailand. The newly established Bangkok office will lead these efforts, aligning with the company’s broader strategy. However, clarity on the governmental framework regarding entertainment complexes inclusive of casinos remains a pivotal factor in determining the scale of Melco's potential investments.

Key urban areas like Bangkok and Phuket have been identified as promising locations for new developments. A Thai government committee is evaluating options for casino complexes, with outcomes to be proposed to the cabinet, marking significant progress towards legalised gambling in the country.

 

Currently, Melco operates six integrated resorts across Macau, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Cyprus, attracting 21 million visitors last year. Ho points out that visitors typically stay 30% longer and spend three to four times more at Melco resorts compared to competitors, thanks to their superior entertainment and cultural experience offerings.

 

In conjunction with its Thai expansion, Melco is joining hands with THACCA to launch "Global Soft Power Talks," featuring on NBT TV on February 24. This forum will bring globally renowned experts from sectors such as culinary arts, design, architecture, and performing arts to Thailand. Esteemed personalities, including Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse and designer Mathieu Lehanneur, are set to partake.

 

In addition to business objectives, Melco's commitment extends to local talent development. Collaboration efforts include a training programme offering selected Thai students immersive learning opportunities with international experts in locations like the US, UK, Italy, France, and Macau.

 

Surapong Suebwonglee, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, emphasises the vast potential of Thai soft power, advocating for collaboration with global experts and targeting the reskilling and upskilling of over 20 million Thais by 2027, especially in culinary and Muay Thai sectors, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-10

 

 

[Geoffggi]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Melco Resorts & Entertainment, a prominent casino operator from Macau, has set its sights on Thailand's thriving tourism industry with the opening of a new office in the vibrant city of Bangkok.

Wanting to be the first for opening a gambling facility more like, yet another soft takeover for the Chinese

[jippytum]

Casinos are coming and the Thaksin family will be a the front of the queue gaining money making concessions. 

[wavodavo]

6 hours ago, Geoffggi said:

Wanting to be the first for opening a gambling facility more like, yet another soft takeover for the Chinese

 

I don't think Thailand has much choice in selecting a casino operator (if it ever happens ) because  most of   them  are run by chinese chinese. I suppose they could try inviting Donald Trump...but wait a minute didn't his casino or casinos go bankrupt ???

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Lawrence Ho, the chairman and chief executive at Melco, expressed his enthusiasm about Thailand's strong potential as a premier destination for integrated resorts. Known for its rich cultural heritage and renowned hospitality

Chinese moving in for sure..