The Cabinet approved a controversial draft bill today, to establish integrated entertainment complexes that will include casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, stimulating the economy and addressing illicit gambling.
According to the draft, Thais who wish to gamble in a casino must have at least 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for six months. This requirement is intended to limit gambling to those who can afford it.
Despite facing harsh criticism, the government insists that the initiative will boost tourism and investment, while tackling existing illegal gambling activities.
It also claims that the project will contribute positively to society, promote sustainable tourism and is in line with its policy of creating “man-made” tourist destinations.
Paetongtarn has cited Singapore as a successful example, where entertainment complexes, of which casinos comprise only 10%, have significantly boosted tourism and GDP growth. She stressed that similar benefits could be achieved in Thailand if the project is implemented promptly.
Revenue generated will be used for national development, infrastructure improvements, social welfare, education and other public benefits, she insisted.
The project is also expected to create over 15,000 jobs, reducing unemployment by 0.03-0.05%.
The Cabinet approved the first draft in January, before submitting it to the Council of State, the government’s legal advisor, to ensure consistency with existing laws and government policy statements made to parliament.
The second draft designates the Interior Minister as an additional executor of the legislation, alongside the prime minister, as stated in the first draft.
The draft specifies that casinos can make up only 10% of an entertainment complex.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub claimed today that the government held four public hearings on the draft, the fourth of which, held between February 28th and March 14th, gathered opinions from 71,289 participants, 80% of whom supported the bill.
The bill will now be submitted to parliament for approval, followed by the Senate.
The Cabinet’s approval was announced while anti-casino protesters, led by government critic Jatuporn Prompan, gathered near Government House.
Jatuporn Prompan
They have held sporadic protests, arguing that casinos will have negative social consequences and that the government is prioritising casinos over economic well-being.
Protesters claim that casino operations in developing countries often lead to illicit activities and fail to improve citizens’ lives.
In March, they submitted a petition to the prime minister, demanding that the bill be withdrawn.
