Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Law Stirs Debate

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The Thai government's draft law on entertainment complexes has sparked a heated debate over its lack of clarity and purpose. According to Professor Chidtawan Chanakul of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics, there is growing concern over what the law aims to achieve.

 

Does it intend to boost tourism or tackle illegal gambling, or both? This ambiguity is causing confusion among supporters and those scrutinising its potential impacts.

 

At the heart of this legislative conundrum lies the question of what defines a tourist-oriented entertainment complex versus a simple man-made attraction. Should these complexes include additional elements like casinos, or should they prioritise large-scale tourism attractions? Without clear guidelines, these questions remain unanswered, and the direction of the draft law seems uncertain.

 

Professor Chidtawan highlights that pursuing dual objectives - attracting tourists and combating illegal gambling - simultaneously requires a carefully thought-out strategy. He points to Singapore’s model, where entertainment complexes featuring casinos come with strict regulations and laws that prevent citizens from gambling, thereby minimising social harm.

 

"In Thailand, confusion surrounds the law's principles and rationale," notes Chidtawan. "It does not make it clear if the purpose is to legalise gambling to eliminate underground activities, or to keep gambling out of citizens' reach while focusing on tourism."

The Atlantic City Cautionary Tale

 

Professor Chidtawan also draws parallels to Atlantic City in the United States, which intended to emulate Las Vegas and become a hub for tourism by legalising casinos in the 1970s. However, the city encountered severe issues, such as illegal gambling, corruption, and increased prostitution.

 

With insufficient planning and regulation, the project struggled, leaving few casinos operational today and failing to rejuvenate tourism. The New Jersey Department of Labour's recent study revealed that the city's casino workforce remains largely low-skilled, trapped in poverty, and providing little economic benefit.

 

With these lessons in mind, Professor Chidtawan urges Thailand to define its goals lucidly. Implementing rigid regulations and preparing both infrastructure and workforce are crucial to mitigate potential negative outcomes.

 

Should the government proceed without these measures, the initiative might spiral into another ill-conceived policy, saddling Thailand with significant social and economic costs. In a nation rich with cultural tourism potential, clarity in legislative definitions is essential to avoid repeating history's pitfalls, reported The Nation.

 

-- 2025-01-22