Samak Proposes Casino Near Suvarnabhumi

[george]

Samak proposes casino for Thailand - under another label

BANGKOK: -- It's time for Thailand to have an entertainment complex housing a casino, sports arena and convention hall, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday.

To avoid criticism or a negative response from the public on hearing that money would be spent on building a casino, Samak called it an entertainment complex rather than a casino.

He put forward the idea while meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism industry in Chiang Mai last Saturday and talked about the project on his Sunday television programme.

"In other countries in the region, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, they've already added a casino as a tourist attraction. For Thailand, we still have nothing similar," Samak told the meeting.

Samak's representative said the project was expected to be built near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"The complex will feature a casino, sports activities, a shopping mall, hotels, a conference hall and recreational activities," the representative said.

She said Samak wanted to build the complex near the new airport on expectations it would attract more business to eastern Bangkok. Muang Thong Thani, which features huge exhibition halls and residences, is a good example of successful growth due to close proximity to an airport: Don Mueang.

"Being on the other side of Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the complex should act as a magnet for new businesses," she said.

However, a project budget, other details and a timeline have not yet been discussed.

Samak has been pushing the casino project since becoming prime minister.

At the Chiang Mai meeting, Samak also discussed with operators and agencies how to boost tourism in the North.

With the soaring cost of jet fuel, Samak has ordered national carrier Thai Airways International to study the reintroduction of ATR aircraft, in order to provide low-cost services on short domestic routes like Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.

Moreover, the Chiang Mai Convention Centre, first planned years ago, was reconsidered at the meeting. The government has made a commitment for it to be completed within two years. However, the cost of construction has jumped from the original Bt1.8 billion to Bt2.3 billion.

-- The Nation 2008-06-17

[plachon]

The subtlety of this govt's intentions is just AMAZING.

"Let's just call our casino an "entertainment complex" and nobody will ever notice".

And who owns the land it will be built on and who will get the contract to operate it?

Ditto the CM Convention Centre.

Guess all the BKK gamblers will need a handy little flutter near the airport before flying off to Macau, Melbourne or Toxin's newest venture down in Koh Kong.

[adad]

Or Singapore's 'Integrated Resorts'. They don't call them Casinoes either.

[h90]

how will run it? Not thaksin or??

[slapout]

Maybe we can displace all of the home owners under the flight paths and build a sound proof complex where the houses were. Guess that would knock all the coharts out of selling their land to the authority (whatever name is used), providing easements, studies, etc. I am reminded of rats leaving a sinking ship with a new twist (steal, plunder and then destroy what they cant carry)

[hammered]

Samak proposes casino for Thailand - under another label

BANGKOK: -- It's time for Thailand to have an entertainment complex housing a casino, sports arena and convention hall, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday.

To avoid criticism or a negative response from the public on hearing that money would be spent on building a casino, Samak called it an entertainment complex rather than a casino.

He put forward the idea while meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism industry in Chiang Mai last Saturday and talked about the project on his Sunday television programme.

"In other countries in the region, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, they've already added a casino as a tourist attraction. For Thailand, we still have nothing similar," Samak told the meeting.

Samak's representative said the project was expected to be built near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"The complex will feature a casino, sports activities, a shopping mall, hotels, a conference hall and recreational activities," the representative said.

She said Samak wanted to build the complex near the new airport on expectations it would attract more business to eastern Bangkok. Muang Thong Thani, which features huge exhibition halls and residences, is a good example of successful growth due to close proximity to an airport: Don Mueang.

"Being on the other side of Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the complex should act as a magnet for new businesses," she said.

However, a project budget, other details and a timeline have not yet been discussed.

Samak has been pushing the casino project since becoming prime minister.

At the Chiang Mai meeting, Samak also discussed with operators and agencies how to boost tourism in the North.

With the soaring cost of jet fuel, Samak has ordered national carrier Thai Airways International to study the reintroduction of ATR aircraft, in order to provide low-cost services on short domestic routes like Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.

Moreover, the Chiang Mai Convention Centre, first planned years ago, was reconsidered at the meeting. The government has made a commitment for it to be completed within two years. However, the cost of construction has jumped from the original Bt1.8 billion to Bt2.3 billion.

-- The Nation 2008-06-17

Silly me I always thought in Thailand "entertainment complex" was code for a place for men wanting to indulge in extra-curricular activities of a slightly different kind to gambling.

[dillon]

maybe they are planning to supply low cost government loans to assist anyone exercising the democratic decision to gamble? I'd give odds of 3-1 ....

[h90]

maybe they are planning to supply low cost government loans to assist anyone exercising the democratic decision to gamble? I'd give odds of 3-1 ....

I am not sure if that is funny.

[Insight]

Samak proposes casino for Thailand - under another label

BANGKOK: -- It's time for Thailand to have an entertainment complex housing a casino, sports arena and convention hall, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday.

To avoid criticism or a negative response from the public on hearing that money would be spent on building a casino, Samak called it an entertainment complex rather than a casino.

He put forward the idea while meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism industry in Chiang Mai last Saturday and talked about the project on his Sunday television programme.

"In other countries in the region, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, they've already added a casino as a tourist attraction. For Thailand, we still have nothing similar," Samak told the meeting.

Samak's representative said the project was expected to be built near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"The complex will feature a casino, sports activities, a shopping mall, hotels, a conference hall and recreational activities," the representative said.

She said Samak wanted to build the complex near the new airport on expectations it would attract more business to eastern Bangkok. Muang Thong Thani, which features huge exhibition halls and residences, is a good example of successful growth due to close proximity to an airport: Don Mueang.

"Being on the other side of Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the complex should act as a magnet for new businesses," she said.

However, a project budget, other details and a timeline have not yet been discussed.

Samak has been pushing the casino project since becoming prime minister.

At the Chiang Mai meeting, Samak also discussed with operators and agencies how to boost tourism in the North.

With the soaring cost of jet fuel, Samak has ordered national carrier Thai Airways International to study the reintroduction of ATR aircraft, in order to provide low-cost services on short domestic routes like Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.

Moreover, the Chiang Mai Convention Centre, first planned years ago, was reconsidered at the meeting. The government has made a commitment for it to be completed within two years. However, the cost of construction has jumped from the original Bt1.8 billion to Bt2.3 billion.

-- The Nation 2008-06-17

Silly me I always thought in Thailand "entertainment complex" was code for a place for men wanting to indulge in extra-curricular activities of a slightly different kind to gambling.

That'll probably be there too. Fun for all the family.

[steveromagnino]

Maybe we can displace all of the home owners under the flight paths and build a sound proof complex where the houses were. Guess that would knock all the coharts out of selling their land to the authority (whatever name is used), providing easements, studies, etc. I am reminded of rats leaving a sinking ship with a new twist (steal, plunder and then destroy what they cant carry)

why do that when they can just use the land the TRT govt bought to speculate regarding new zoning in creating province 77.

Poor old Thaksin isn't rich enough just yet.

[Briggsy]

The mind boggles at the potential of this scheme [for lining politicians' pockets.]

[Los78]

The mind boggles at the potential of this scheme [for lining politicians' pockets.]

Im all for a Casino in Thailand. Offcoarse it will have its fair share of negative criticism by many parties. The idea actually sounds very similar to Crown entertainment complex in Melbourne. That was a success for Melbourne and Im sure a similar Entertainment complex will be very popular here. Good luck to making it a reality.

[sriracha john]

So now that he's lined up all the properties and concessions... a change of heart...

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday the government would consider legalising casinos, but it was not the time to think about it yet.

Mr Thaksin was said to be against total legalisation of gambling, saying it was dangerous if gambling was accessible to all. "Buying tickets to get into a casino is way too dangerous. Casinos would be found everywhere,'' he said.

--Bangkok Post 2003-10-30

[sriracha john]

The subtlety of this govt's intentions is just AMAZING.

"Let's just call our casino an "entertainment complex" and nobody will ever notice".

Silly me I always thought in Thailand "entertainment complex" was code for a place for men wanting to indulge in extra-curricular activities of a slightly different kind to gambling.

the subtlety of that nomenclature has been trotted out before...

Thai group vows to fight off casinos

BANGKOK - The Campaign for Popular Democracy yesterday blasted the government's proposal to open casinos in the kingdom, saying it was contrary to Buddhism and a threat to society.

The activists feared the social impact of legalising casinos, and vowed to fight any move to open them.

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced late last month that his government would hold a referendum early next year to determine whether casinos should be legalised in the kingdom.

He said that he would allow construction of casinos with a simple majority of votes.

'If the government is going to push for casinos, let's close the Culture Ministry and the Social Development and Human Security Ministry,' he said.

These two ministries - recently established to develop society - would be useless if casinos were operating. He said they should not exist just to soak up state funds.

He also alleged that some interest groups would reap 100 billion baht (S$4.2 billion) in profits from casinos, and that the government had already decided on the location and management of one casino.

He dismissed the government's use of the term "entertainment complex."

-- Asia News Network 2003-12-09

[Khun Jean]

Maybe these gangmembers will have the same fate as their american 'rolemodel' Al Capone.

Difficult to get them in jail for serious crimes because hard to prove, but a simple tax evasion will get them there in the end.

I just hope it is not too far in the future, for the good of everybody.

[h90]

Maybe these gangmembers will have the same fate as their american 'rolemodel' Al Capone.

Difficult to get them in jail for serious crimes because hard to prove, but a simple tax evasion will get them there in the end.

I just hope it is not too far in the future, for the good of everybody.

It is already too far! They should be in jail since 20 years. Ask old Bangkok people about Samak.....Our oldest staff remember when he was young, he saw Samak walking in Thai-Italian (construction) himself to collect the bribe.....

[seagull]

Casino in BKK ? Wow ! I am moving there.

[TopDogger]

I'm all for it if theres going to be a Poker Room, whens the next Chao Phraya whale watching cruise anyway?