Entertainment Thailand Eyes Global Stage with Entertainment Complex Initiative

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Thailand into a leading entertainment complex hub, aiming to compete with Las Vegas and Macau. Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat announced that within five to ten years, Thailand could rank as the third-largest destination for entertainment complexes worldwide, drawing in hundreds of billions of baht in investment and tourism.

 

While Thailand has consistently been among the top tourist destinations globally, recently reclaiming its spot in the world's top 10, tourist spending has not seen a proportional increase. This initiative seeks to address that gap by enhancing tourism revenue through innovative avenues.

 

Progressing beyond Cabinet approval, the Entertainment Complex Act is set for discussion in the House of Representatives from July 3 to October 30. If enacted, a committee led by the Prime Minister will be formed to manage the project, including a regulatory body to evaluate its feasibility and investment potential. However, with only two years left in the current Parliament, there is a push to finalise the legislation to avoid delays.

 

Confident discussions with international investors suggest that Thailand's natural and cultural allure, combined with established infrastructure and a substantial tourist base of over 30 million, makes it a competitive candidate. Crucially, casinos within these complexes are deemed essential to draw significant investments, expanding beyond just sports venues.

 

Sukhasit Srichomkwan, Deputy Secretary General to the Prime Minister, highlighted the government's strategic push towards year-round tourism. This includes new attractions, hosting global events like Formula One, and enhancing health and wellness tourism. The entertainment complex initiative aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and provide steady income throughout the year, reducing seasonal slumps.

 

Tourist spending is projected to increase to about 22,300 baht (US$685) per trip, with annual tourist numbers potentially rising by 5% to 20%, and a 13% increase during low seasons. Comparatively, countries like Vietnam, South Korea, and Singapore benefit significantly from their entertainment complexes. Thailand's expected revenue from these projects is estimated at 39 billion baht (US$1.2 billion) annually.

 

Proposed casinos will adhere to strict legal and international standards, including player registration and monitoring, alongside CSR activities such as scholarships. Utilising local materials and employing Thai workers, these projects could boost GDP by 0.2% to 0.8%, with tourism revenue poised to increase by 100 to 200 billion baht (US$6.14 billion).

 

This initiative reflects Thailand's broader efforts to revitalise and diversify its tourism strategy, positioning itself as a dynamic global destination.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-05

 

 

[blaze master]

5 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

 

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Thailand into a leading entertainment complex hub, aiming to compete with Las Vegas and Macau.

 

Hahahhahahaa

 

Thanks for the hoot.

 

 

 

Always bet on thai.

[kingstonkid]

15 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Hahahhahahaa

 

Thanks for the hoot.

 

 

 

Always bet on thai.

 

 

Vegas is for most entertainment the start or end of the tour in the U.S.

 

I have been looking, and very few entertainers are travelling out of the U.S.  

 

A few to Europe.  

 

BUT WAIT WE HAVE CONFIRMATION THAT TOM JONES will be the opening headliner act at the grand opening.

 

Our own BOB will be the opener for him

 

After the fiasco with Taylor Swift and the fact that China is now sort of out of bounds I am not sure many big international acts will come this way

 

We shall see

 

The bottom line is that the headliners and entertainers at Vegas and Macau are there to bring people to the casino.  With the rule that unless you are a rich Thai, you can not play it, sort of defeats the purpose.

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Ministry of Finance has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Thailand into a leading entertainment complex hub, aiming to compete with Las Vegas and Macau. Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat announced that within five to ten years, Thailand could rank as the third-largest destination for entertainment complexes worldwide, drawing in hundreds of billions of baht in investment and tourism.

Seems like it's a done deal... 

[newnative]

     Just more endless talk, talk, talk.  And, oh good, let's form yet another committee.  Why in the world does something need to be debated from July until October?   A week or two should be plenty of time for discussion before voting.   I suspect Taylor Swift will be using a walker on stage before any entertainment complexes are built--if ever.  

[thesetat]

wow it really amazes me that Thailand is trying so much to push the casinos to get approved. When they know Thais already have problems with gambling and their ever increasing debt. Pushing casinos into Thailand will make many problems for the people while the upper echelon get richer. Sad to see this happen.