Thailand Drops 50 Million Baht Account Rule for Casino Entry

[webfact]

Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

Thailand has scrapped a difficult requirement for its upcoming casino-entertainment complex project. Originally, Thais needed to show proof of having a hefty 50 million Baht in a fixed deposit to gain entry. Now, they just need to demonstrate they have filed tax returns for the past three years.

 

This significant shift in the Entertainment Complex Bill is detailed in Section 65 of the draft. The government’s legal advisors, the Council of State, reviewed this section, pushing for a more practical approach.

 

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, recent public feedback has influenced this change. The revised draft legislation, which also considered public opinion, was signed by both Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Minister of Interior before heading to the cabinet secretariat at the end of February.

 

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the removal of the financial requirement, acknowledging that it catered little to the majority. With only about 10,000 Thais holding accounts with 50 million Baht, the initial move might have encouraged illegal gambling.

 

"The revised draft adjusts to reality, ensuring more legitimate participation and aligns with state and community welfare," said Julapun.

 

In its place, the law has retained a 5,000 Baht entrance fee, coupled with the income tax filing rule, as a more inclusive threshold for casino entry.

Stimulating the legislative gears further, the government aims to present the bill to the cabinet quickly, seeing potential approval this parliamentary session.

 

Reflecting on the broader implications, several protest groups, including the Network of Students and People for Thailand's Reform and the Dharma Army, expressed deep concerns.

 

Convening outside the government house in Bangkok, they submitted a formal complaint to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, instead demanding a legislative reconsideration. In their appeal, they voiced fears regarding the potential societal, religious, and economic discord the casino might bring.

 

Thailand's latest maneuver towards legalised gambling underscores a desire to balance growth and regulation with cultural sensitivities and economic inclusivity.

 

While it opens doors wider for local participation, it maintains a stern gaze on revenue and lawfulness, striving for a framework that respects its rich and diverse community fabric. How this balance will materialise remains one of Thailand's pressing questions, as eyes keenly watch the government's next steps, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-04

 

 

[Ralf001]

Wonder how long till we see slot machines in the beer bars of Pattaya!

[david rucker]

Exactly what every wealthy Thai carries around in his pocket. Haven't they looked at what other countries do instead of reinventing the wheel?

[redwood1]

Filing Tax returns and Gamboling?........What?........

 

This makes about as much sense as having AA meetings to stop drinking in a liquor store....

 

 

 

 

[blaze master]

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

Wonder how long till we see slot machines in the beer bars of Pattaya!

 

I just matched 4 dildos.

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

In its place, the law has retained a 5,000 Baht entrance fee, coupled with the income tax filing rule, as a more inclusive threshold for casino entry.

Yeah, but that´s perfect for people that sees gambling the right way, and engage in fun and recreational gambling. 5 000 baht entrance fee? So, then they have to win 4900 baht and will still be a loser.  😂

32 minutes ago, blaze master said:

 

I just matched 4 dildos.

Hey! Most commonly there are 5 wheels on a slot machine. What was the 5th wheel? An arse? 😂

[blaze master]

4 minutes ago, Gottfrid said:

Yeah, but that´s perfect for people that sees gambling the right way, and engage in fun and recreational gambling. 5 000 baht entrance fee? So, then they have to win 4900 baht and will still be a loser.  😂

Hey! Most commonly there are 5 wheels on a slot machine. What was the 5th wheel? An arse? 😂

 

You don't want to know where the 5th dildo went. 

[Tropicalevo]

And the farce rumbles on.

Do rich retired people still file tax returns?

[Ralf001]

2 hours ago, david rucker said:

Exactly what every wealthy Thai carries around in his pocket. Haven't they looked at what other countries do instead of reinventing the wheel?

 

I reckon most would keep the coin in their fixed deposit account.... not their back pocket!

[lordgrinz]

Casinos just create more poor people, the loan sharks must be drooling over this proposal.

[Purdey]

Just ban Thais from entry. Period.