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?

[Pouatchee]

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

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

 

My thoughts exactly. That'll kill the chicken in the egg for sure. Getting a police check is a hassle. 
 

[Trippy]

I think they like talking about having a casino, but they don't really want one.

[Puccini]

5 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

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

 

And a passport check every time a foreigner enters a casino, plus a photo for face recognition, plus all ten fingerprints, plus the tax identification number, plus a saliva swap for DNA analysis, plus anything else they can think of as they go along.

[connda]

That will boost tourist for sure, 'eh? 

[NoDisplayName]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

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

 

Not stringent enough.

 

All papers should be notarized by the appropriate embassy, translated and legalized by MFA, plus a five-million-baht bond should be deposited in a Thai bank, seasoned for 90 days prior to permitting entry to any casino.

 

It's the only way to be truly sure.

[DonniePeverley]

They needed a criminal check before issuing the DTV, but they never did. 

[Mason45]

The Thai PM emphasized all foreign casino visitors, why not all casino visitors. How would the Thai hiso's and Government officials handle that?

[blaze master]

 

I already got mine. They are available just around the corner from the casino. 200b and you're good. 

[Jingthing]

I already didn't want to go to a casino.

More restrictions please. 

[SABloke]

At this point these casinos are looking likey to just be massive laundromats doing a lot of cleaning - how else will they take in money except from dirty clothes? I mean, Thailand potential market is only 10,000 (50 million net requirement) and criminal background checks means basically zero foreigners: Rock up at casino on holiday "Where is your background check?" "Don't have one. Where can I get it?" "Easy, go back to your country and get one" 🙄

[Jim Blue]

19 hours ago, baansgr said:

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

Not sure about that , perhaps one or two might get cleaned out and have to take a tuk tuk back to the Hiton !