Politics Thailand May Require Criminal Background Checks for Foreign Casino Visitors, Says PM

[webfact]

Photo courtesy of The Better

 

Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, announced on Sunday that the government may introduce requirements for detailed profiles of all visitors to the country's legal casinos.

 

This could involve criminal background and wealth checks for international visitors as part of an effort to regulate the industry tightly. The proposed measures align with a broader initiative to ensure the country's competitive stance in regional tourism.

 

The Prime Minister emphasised the need for Thailand to catch up with its regional peers in tourism by developing large-scale entertainment complexes, which would include casinos.

 

During her regular “Empowering Thais” program, she staunchly defended her government’s Entertainment Complex Bill, aiming to promote responsible gambling.

 

Paetongtarn countered criticism from anti-casino critics who argue the policy promotes "immoral behavior," asserting instead that such development is a global trend necessary for keeping Thailand competitive.

 

She highlighted that countries like Singapore, the United States, Japan, and the UAE have already embraced similar entertainment developments. By following this trend, she argued that Thailand could avoid seasonal dips in tourism by enhancing its attraction profile beyond natural resources to include manmade wonders.

 

Contrary to some claims, the Prime Minister clarified that casinos would only be a minor aspect of the entertainment projects, with primary investment sourced from the private sector, not government funds. Ensuring additional tax revenues, she pointed out, is a key advantage of this approach.

 

The parliamentary debate on the Entertainment Complex Bill has been delayed until at least the next session, starting 2 July, due to more pressing matters like US-imposed tariffs and earthquake aftereffects. Nonetheless, some observers speculate that growing opposition might have played a role in the postponement.

 

Moreover, political rivalry between Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties adds another layer to the ongoing discussions. Despite Bhumjaithai's public assertion against supporting the bill, both party leaders maintain that their coalition remains intact, navigating through both support and opposition in the legislative process.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from IAG 2025-05-06

 

 

[CallumWK]

Is it April first again?

[JoePai]

Daddy must have a ton of money riding on this 

[baansgr]

Money will go to casinos, no help for the average somchai trying to make a buck

[Geoffggi]

27 minutes ago, webfact said:

During her regular “Empowering Thais” program, she staunchly defended her government’s Entertainment Complex Bill, aiming to promote responsible gambling.

 

Daddy & others like him want to clean their reserves how else are they to survive .........LOL

[ikke1959]

Yes sure.. so a tourist has to bring a paper from the police that they don't have a criminal record before they can enter the casino.. It will be a success the casinos

[JimHuaHin]

Why foreigners, why not Thais?

 

No rich and/or influential Thais have criminal records, right?