50m Baht Casino Entry Requirement Up for Future Debate

[webfact]

Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

In a move likely to spark debate, the Thai Ministry of Finance has indicated that the draft Entertainment Complex Bill will propose that only individuals with a bank balance of at least 50 million baht may enter Thai casinos.

 

Despite differing opinions within the government, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat emphasised that parliament will have the final say on this controversial clause.

 

The proposed requirement follows recommendations from the Council of State, the government's legal advisory body. This stipulation is part of an effort to regulate the casino industry while considering potential societal impacts.

 

Mr Julapun, however, argues against this hefty financial threshold, stating it overlooks the significant number of Thais who gamble abroad. He proposed an alternative that involves proof of tax payment for three consecutive years and a 5,000 baht entry fee.

 

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for casinos to become breeding grounds for grey and black market operations. Critics fear this could position Thailand as a hub for illegal financial activities.

Mr Julapun dismissed these worries, asserting that strict national regulations and standards will be enforced. Moreover, he believes that reputable foreign investors, involved in multiple global markets, would be deterred from engaging in illicit activities due to the risk of losing licences in other countries.

 

The Entertainment Complex Bill, encompassing casino operation guidelines, is a key policy of the Pheu Thai Party, the leading party in the current government. It aims not only to regulate gambling but also to enhance Thailand's tourism appeal by establishing entertainment hubs alongside its existing nature-based attractions.

 

Foreign investment interest, particularly for projects valued over 100 billion baht, is being approached with caution. Investors will be required to operate transparently and comply with stringent regulations, which include periodic reviews every five years to ensure lawful operations. This legislative approach is intended to attract only credible international participants, thereby maintaining the integrity of the Thai financial and tourist landscapes.

 

As the bill makes its way to parliament, the debate over the entry requirement reflects a broader conversation about balancing economic growth with social responsibility.

 

While the objective is to boost tourism and economic activity, the details of the regulations will ultimately shape the landscape of Thailand's evolving entertainment complex industry. Parliament's eventual decision will be crucial in setting the tone for this new chapter in Thailand's tourism and gambling sectors, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-07

 

 

[Ralf001]

Flip flop Flip Flop !

 

[watchcat]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

it overlooks the significant number of Thais who gamble abroad.

 

Ever heard of money laundering?

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

In a move likely to spark debate, the Thai Ministry of Finance has indicated that the draft Entertainment Complex Bill will propose that only individuals with a bank balance of at least 50 million baht may enter Thai casinos.

What planet are they on?

[tjintx]

 

Our Bob will be the only one there!

[Watawattana]

Looks like I'll have to stay in the bar then... 

[kingstonkid]

So now beach bar girls are going to need ,50k to go with farang for luck.  This is the problem when you don't hire reputable casino operators and let them do their thing.

[Iron Tongue]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

In a move likely to spark debate, the Thai Ministry of Finance has indicated that the draft Entertainment Complex Bill will propose that only individuals with a bank balance of at least 50 million baht may enter Thai casinos.

 

 

Amazing!  Only the Thais can manage to screw-up a cash cow money-maker like casinos.

 

Other casinos, when dealing with different net-worth gamblers, simply have separate wings or floors for their high net worth players.