FolkGuitar Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 About six months ago I made a suggestion that the reason for all the new expensive hotel construction in Chiang Mai would be followed by a change in Thai law to permit casino gambling. It made sense to me when I realized that all of the old PM's buddies had purchased lots of land in the Doi Saket area when people were talking about moving the airport when we didn't need to. Why would they buy land out there? It's just rice paddies. Why would the international cartels spend so much money putting up expensive hotels when there were no people around to fill them? To me, the only answer was legalized gambling. Big casinos like you find in Vegas. But I thought that it wouldn't happen for at least two years. I guess I never stopped to think just how fast people could move when there is a chance to make money...... You guys who live in the Doi Saket area will be happy to see improved mass transit to your area. After all, that's where the new casinos will be built... after they purchase the land from those that bought it before the prices skyrocket. I wonder how they knew? Now.... has Chiang Mai lost its charm? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polsevogn Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I think casinos would be awesome, and finally a real additional reason to visit the North. Why else would people visit Chiang Mai? For what's left of the hill tribes or some sad elephant camps? Day spas? Come on. Casinos might mean a resurgence in nightlife, which would be a very good thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maejo Man Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 I have heard it whispered in certain circles that the first, and I say first to emphasise it, casino will go slap bang in the middle of an already fully ladscaped area known as Ratchapruek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerbeer Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 why not san kampheng? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maejo Man Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 why not san kampheng? Insufficient infrastructure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FolkGuitar Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 I have heard it whispered in certain circles that the first, and I say first to emphasise it, casino will go slap bang in the middle of an already fully ladscaped area known as Ratchapruek That would make a lot of sense. At least for the first one. Unfortunately, casinos are like mushrooms. You only see the fruit. The rest of the plant is underground and will be producing lots more fruit. I can see this area sprouting half a dozen different casinos. But you're correct; Ratchapruek would be an ideal first location. If you can consider anything about turning Chiang Mai into another Vegas ideal.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FolkGuitar Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 (edited) I think casinos would be awesome, and finally a real additional reason to visit the North. Why else would people visit Chiang Mai? For what's left of the hill tribes or some sad elephant camps? Day spas? Come on. Casinos might mean a resurgence in nightlife, which would be a very good thing. Why not just go to Macao or Las Vegas, and leave Chiang Mai as a cultural center? That seemed to work for quite a few years. There are still plenty of hill tribes, and not all the elephant camps are 'sad.' Doi Suthep is still a lovely place to spend half a day no matter how many times you've been there. Night life exists everywhere. Thai culture doesn't. Of course, it's easy for me to say this as I'm not a nightlife person. For those whose idea of a great vacation is sleeping until noon, then lounging around the pool until the clubs open at night, the casinos will be a blessing. I just wish they would bless someplace else. Edited March 3, 2008 by FolkGuitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ajarn Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I think casinos would be awesome, and finally a real additional reason to visit the North. Why else would people visit Chiang Mai? For what's left of the hill tribes or some sad elephant camps? Day spas? Come on. Casinos might mean a resurgence in nightlife, which would be a very good thing. Why not just go to Macao or Las Vegas, and leave Chiang Mai as a cultural center? That seemed to work for quite a few years. There are still plenty of hill tribes, and not all the elephant camps are 'sad.' Doi Suthep is still a lovely place to spend half a day no matter how many times you've been there. Night life exists everywhere. Thai culture doesn't. Of course, it's easy for me to say this as I'm not a nightlife person. For those whose idea of a great vacation is sleeping until noon, then lounging around the pool until the clubs open at night, the casinos will be a blessing. I just wish they would bless someplace else. Agreed. My current big fear is that Chiang Mai becomes another Pattaya... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Polsevogn Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I wouldn't be overly worried about that. As a city it's much bigger so tourism in any form won't have the same overpowering strangle-hold on everything like in Pattaya. And secondly, if anything I see a downturn in nightlife for tourists.. People just don't seem to do nightlife in Chiang Mai. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobraSnakeNecktie Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 I wouldn't be overly worried about that. As a city it's much bigger so tourism in any form won't have the same overpowering strangle-hold on everything like in Pattaya. And secondly, if anything I see a downturn in nightlife for tourists.. People just don't seem to do nightlife in Chiang Mai. My guess it that gambling would draw more visitors but is CM going to be the only casino in Thailand? Maybe closer for Chinese nationals if new air routes are added from CMX to Chinese cities. Otherwise there are casino's in Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Cambodia. South Korea and Singapore. Taiwan(more likely) and Japan(less likely) are considering legalized venues soon. China is considering opening Hainen Island to gambling. If major Thai destination like Phuket, Pattaya, BKK, and CM all have gambling then its just a level playing field. Its just a matter of time before gambling is offered everywhere in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siam-i-am Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I have heard it whispered in certain circles that the first, and I say first to emphasise it, casino will go slap bang in the middle of an already fully ladscaped area known as Ratchapruek "certain circles" is that a new Gay boy bar in CM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I wouldn't be overly worried about that. As a city it's much bigger so tourism in any form won't have the same overpowering strangle-hold on everything like in Pattaya. And secondly, if anything I see a downturn in nightlife for tourists.. People just don't seem to do nightlife in Chiang Mai. hard to do when theres 2am closing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 why not san kampheng? Insufficient infrastructure but theres plenty of transport around, the white song thew leaves every 30 mins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john b good Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 There are many casino's in Chiangmai and have been for many years. The only thing is that they are not legal so the BIB's make a killing out of 'protection money' If casino's (and gambling) are legalised in the realm there are gonna be a lot of coppers out of pocket. Do I care ? not a jot ! They might get an honest job 'or do their current one in an honest fashion' Am I optimistic about that happening "again the answer is no" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donnyboy Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 I think casinos would be awesome, and finally a real additional reason to visit the North. Why else would people visit Chiang Mai? For what's left of the hill tribes or some sad elephant camps? Day spas? Come on. Casinos might mean a resurgence in nightlife, which would be a very good thing. Why not just go to Macao or Las Vegas, and leave Chiang Mai as a cultural center? That seemed to work for quite a few years. There are still plenty of hill tribes, and not all the elephant camps are 'sad.' Doi Suthep is still a lovely place to spend half a day no matter how many times you've been there. Night life exists everywhere. Thai culture doesn't. Of course, it's easy for me to say this as I'm not a nightlife person. For those whose idea of a great vacation is sleeping until noon, then lounging around the pool until the clubs open at night, the casinos will be a blessing. I just wish they would bless someplace else. Agreed. My current big fear is that Chiang Mai becomes another Pattaya... as long as CM has some sort of zoning for late night activity, which it doesnt now as I understand it, it should be ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamSipEt Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 why not san kampheng? Insufficient infrastructure Only a short term problem - they're going to build a big new airport there so no room for casinos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sceadugenga Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 There are many casino's in Chiangmai and have been for many years. The only thing is that they are not legal so the BIB's make a killing out of 'protection money' If casino's (and gambling) are legalised in the realm there are gonna be a lot of coppers out of pocket. Do I care ? not a jot ! They might get an honest job 'or do their current one in an honest fashion' Am I optimistic about that happening "again the answer is no" Just discussed this with my Mrs who informed me she once won 35,000B in a Chiang Mai casino before I came along. "Cards?" (The obvious assumption) "No, machine... cherry cherry cherry". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phuketrex Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 The PM was on TV a few days ago saying he wants to see casinos in Chang Mai; Pattaya and Phuket....no mention of Bangkok!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSnake Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 About six months ago I made a suggestion that the reason for all the new expensive hotel construction in Chiang Mai would be followed by a change in Thai law to permit casino gambling. It made sense to me when I realized that all of the old PM's buddies had purchased lots of land in the Doi Saket area when people were talking about moving the airport when we didn't need to. Why would they buy land out there? It's just rice paddies. Why would the international cartels spend so much money putting up expensive hotels when there were no people around to fill them? To me, the only answer was legalized gambling. Big casinos like you find in Vegas. But I thought that it wouldn't happen for at least two years. I guess I never stopped to think just how fast people could move when there is a chance to make money...... You guys who live in the Doi Saket area will be happy to see improved mass transit to your area. After all, that's where the new casinos will be built... after they purchase the land from those that bought it before the prices skyrocket. I wonder how they knew?Now.... has Chiang Mai lost its charm? hope it never happen, this country has enough problems as it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uptheos Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Just like Vegas eh? Maybe they can get Wayne Newton for opening night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigSnake Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Hope it never happen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackArtemis Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Why not convert the night safari into one, and then we can have two Katoeys named Siegfried and ploy taunting emaciated tigers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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