Legislators in Thailand are pushing ahead with plans to legalise
casinos, hoping they will attract international tourists and boost the
country’s economy.
An Entertainment Complex Bill, currently being studied by the Thai
government, would allow for casinos as part of integrated resorts,
similar to Singapore’s Casino at Marina Bay Sands.
Sports stadiums and concert halls would also be part of the entertainment complexes.
Pattaya is being touted as the most likely destination for Thailand’s first legal casino.
Like Singapore, Thailand’s casinos would be strictly controlled to
encourage international visitors and restrict entry for Thais.
Thailand’s immediate neighbours – Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia,
along with Singapore and Vietnam – have legalised casinos for foreign
gamblers. They either restrict or ban entry for residents.
Thailand’s deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat announced 5
September that 80% of those responding to a public forum supported the
proposed casino project.
If the law gets passed, Thailand could be Macao’s and Singapore's
largest competitor by the end of the decade, according to industry
watchers.
Apart from a state lottery or licensed horse betting, gambling is currently illegal in Thailand.