Thailand's Casino Bill Targets Tourism, Limits Local Entry

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Macao News

 

In Thailand, the new Entertainment Complex Bill has proposed a casino-focused plan aimed primarily at boosting foreign tourism. However, strict measures are devised to limit access for locals to curtail gambling concerns, according to Pakorn Nilprapunt, the secretary-general of the Council of State (CoS).

 

The bill, currently under the second review stage, has recently opened for public feedback until March 1 via the CoS website. Mr. Pakorn noted that public input would be critical in shaping the final draft before its presentation to the cabinet in about 50 days following the feedback period.

 

Central to the bill is the focus on "super board" oversight. While the powers of this policy board over entertainment complexes remain largely intact, there have been notable amendments to the casino approval and licensing procedures.

 

A contentious aspect of the proposal is the requirement for Thai nationals wishing to enter these entertainment complexes to hold at least 50 million Thai Baht in their bank accounts.

 

This provision aims to restrict gambling to individuals with sufficient financial resources, reducing the risk of problem gambling among locals. "We don't want the public to be consumed by gambling," Mr. Pakorn remarked, underscoring that gambling is not the sole purpose of the complexes, which are seen as man-made tourist attractions.

Despite widespread public debate, Mr. Pakorn emphasised that the final decision rests with the government, which continues to drive the bill forward. Should the initiative proceed as planned, casinos would open within designated entertainment complexes—a move that has ignited spirited discussion about the potential social and political implications.

 

To navigate these challenges, a special committee led by former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam was established to review and amend the draft. The committee has proposed several changes, including defining the casino zones within these complexes and ensuring public hearings address social and environmental impacts.

 

Moreover, the draft incorporates stringent regulations to tackle potential issues such as prostitution and mandates efforts to promote local employment within the complexes. The government aims to have the final draft ready for cabinet review by next month.

 

As the bill continues to stir controversy and conversation nationwide, its progress symbolises a crucial balancing act between economic growth through tourism and ethical considerations regarding gambling—a debate that is set to resonate deeply within Thai society, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-19

 

 

[lordgrinz]

2 minutes ago, webfact said:

Despite widespread public debate, Mr. Pakorn emphasised that the final decision rests with the government, which continues to drive the bill forward.

 

Well, that's Democracy, Thai style!

[Tropicalevo]

13 minutes ago, webfact said:

the new Entertainment Complex Bill has proposed a casino-focused plan aimed primarily at boosting foreign tourism.

 

Codswallop!

It is aimed at lining Thai pockets that are already full.

[hotchilli]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Mr. Pakorn noted that public input would be critical in shaping the final draft before its presentation to the cabinet in about 50 days following the feedback period.

Any negative feedback will be ignored... this is a done deal.

[Geoffggi]

19 hours ago, webfact said:

A contentious aspect of the proposal is the requirement for Thai nationals wishing to enter these entertainment complexes to hold at least 50 million Thai Baht in their bank accounts.

 

If this is the case, there should be NO public money put towards the purchase of land or building of such establishments as they are obviously not meant for the general public. - Obviously this this why the powers that be want the casinos to be part of an entertainment complex then the public can pay for the rich to enjoy themselves. 

[newbee2022]

I hope I can use my memecoins. $Trump, until they are of no value.

[Yagoda]

Wonderul, great to see the process moving

[newbee2022]

They are not aiming at a few Baht but millions to come. 

They might be disappointed I hope.😕

[rovinman]

As I reported before, Singapore RECOVERED their Building costs, in just over ONE YEAR  !

It is NOT for the locals { Gambling BANNED for locals in Singapore }  !
But here"s a thought  !  !  Instead of the THAI locals Gambling at the Casino, WHY can"t they SHARE in the Construction costs, and hence receive the RETURNS afterwards, and FOREVER,  ?

[lordgrinz]

I find it hard to believe that a country so addicted to gambling is going to put up with being disallowed access to their own Casinos.

[John Drake]

Sihanoukville 2.0   Keep the local riff raff out, unless they're coming in to work cleaning out the toilets and sweeping the floors.

[Purdey]

So many expats see the risks. The Thais see the positives.

No Thais allowed entry. Opportunity to bribe someone for entry.

[DonniePeverley]

Tourism tourism EVERYTHING tourism - this is basically a tourist state now. 

 

A Population of 60 million being a tourist state is crazy