Report Thai Gov't Defends 'Vegas-Style' Complex Plan Amid Criticism

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister, Julapan Amornvivat, has staunchly defended the country's bold initiative to develop integrated entertainment complexes, countering criticism that the move could lead to negative perceptions of the Thai economy. Responding to detractors who fear the project might link Thailand with a "grey" economy, Julapan challenged such arguments by comparing the proposal to legalised casino operations in countries like the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai.

 

He highlighted that the real threat to Thailand's image comes from the presence of illegal gambling establishments, which, unlike regulated casinos, operate outside the law and evade oversight. Julapan suggested that criticism might merely reflect personal views rather than an official position from the Bank of Thailand, a notion aimed at easing institutional tensions.

 

Despite the backlash, Julapan remains unwavering, emphasising the project's importance following its approval by the Cabinet. The associated draft legislation is now moving forward, preparing for parliamentary review. This is part of a comprehensive vision that includes wellness centres and other development initiatives, confirming the government's commitment to fostering multidimensional national growth.

 

This Entertainment Complex initiative, long-discussed but never implemented, is seen by the government as a pivotal opportunity for economic transformation. It is anticipated to attract investments exceeding 100 billion baht, catalysing economic expansion and enhancing Thailand's appeal as a tourism destination.

 

The project timeline is ambitious: pending parliamentary approval, the government plans a year for establishing a regulatory body, conducting feasibility studies, and finalising tender documents. The goal is to begin construction within three years, marking a historical advancement in Thailand's economic and tourism landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-20

 

 

[blaze master]

10 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

the move could lead to negative perceptions of the Thai economy

 

Thailand you've done this to yourself.

[Yagoda]

Im all in favour of casinos

[redwood1]

2 hours ago, Yagoda said:

Im all in favour of casinos

 

Why?....Do broken famlies....Desperate people....And addiction excite you...

[Magictoad]

5 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister, Julapan Amornvivat, has staunchly defended the country's bold initiative to develop integrated entertainment complexes, countering criticism that the move could lead to negative perceptions of the Thai economy. Responding to detractors who fear the project might link Thailand with a "grey" economy, Julapan challenged such arguments by comparing the proposal to legalised casino operations in countries like the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai.

 

He highlighted that the real threat to Thailand's image comes from the presence of illegal gambling establishments, which, unlike regulated casinos, operate outside the law and evade oversight. Julapan suggested that criticism might merely reflect personal views rather than an official position from the Bank of Thailand, a notion aimed at easing institutional tensions.

 

Despite the backlash, Julapan remains unwavering, emphasising the project's importance following its approval by the Cabinet. The associated draft legislation is now moving forward, preparing for parliamentary review. This is part of a comprehensive vision that includes wellness centres and other development initiatives, confirming the government's commitment to fostering multidimensional national growth.

 

This Entertainment Complex initiative, long-discussed but never implemented, is seen by the government as a pivotal opportunity for economic transformation. It is anticipated to attract investments exceeding 100 billion baht, catalysing economic expansion and enhancing Thailand's appeal as a tourism destination.

 

The project timeline is ambitious: pending parliamentary approval, the government plans a year for establishing a regulatory body, conducting feasibility studies, and finalising tender documents. The goal is to begin construction within three years, marking a historical advancement in Thailand's economic and tourism landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-05-20

 

 

This will definitely get the Chinese back!

[still kicking]

3 minutes ago, Magictoad said:

This will definitely get the Chinese back!

And send hundreds of Thais bankrupt.

[fondue zoo]

Good or bad, it's inevitable. Avarice for the win every time.

[Yagoda]

9 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

Why?....Do broken famlies....Desperate people....And addiction excite you...

Macao and Vegas do fine.

[henryford1958]

Of course, they will all be billionaires. Like legalizing weed they don't care about the effect on Thailand.

[quake]

Go there Thailand.

Moving ahead into the 21st century. 

[TheFishman1]

A Buddhist country and gambling seems logical somebody must be getting a lot of little envelopes a big envelope full of money TIT

[kiwikeith]

10 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

Why?....Do broken famlies....Desperate people....And addiction excite you...

Maybe he's aiming at becoming a debt collector 

[wensiensheng]

“Respondingto detractors who fear the project might link Thailand with a "grey" economy, Julapan challenged sucharguments by comparing the proposal to legalisedcasino operations in countries like the United States,Singapore, Japan, and Dubai.”

 

What do all those countries have in common? Could it be either developed and/or highly strict and effective law enforcement?

 

Meanwhile, in Thailand……

 

[redwood1]

17 minutes ago, wensiensheng said:

“Respondingto detractors who fear the project might link Thailand with a "grey" economy, Julapan challenged sucharguments by comparing the proposal to legalisedcasino operations in countries like the United States,Singapore, Japan, and Dubai.”

 

What do all those countries have in common? Could it be either developed and/or highly strict and effective law enforcement?

 

Meanwhile, in Thailand……

 

 

Thailands corruption is vast...Its every where..... Corruption will have a field day with  Casinos here....For average Thais the casualties will be huge...

[hotchilli]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

He highlighted that the real threat to Thailand's image comes from the presence of illegal gambling establishments, which, unlike regulated casinos, operate outside the law and evade oversight.

99% of these so called illegal gambling dens are for locals and the odd farangs, they would never step foot into a real sized casino.

[Magictoad]

18 hours ago, still kicking said:

And send hundreds of Thais bankrupt.

And make some rich too. Are you fundamentally opposed to organised gambling? I'm not. In the UK it was legalised in the early 60s when I was a kid and I grew up with my dad and my uncle betting incredibly low amounts after studying the form for hours. It gave them enormous fun and cost them very little. People who are addicted to gambling will find ANYTHING to gamble on.