The Cabinet has made a significant move by approving a proposal to legalise casino entertainment complexes in Thailand. This decision, which comes after public hearings, marks a potential turning point in the country’s entertainment and tourism industry.
The Cabinet has approved the report of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on legalising entertainment complexes with casinos in Thailand. The Bangkok Post reported that the Finance Department has been instructed to conduct a further study on the feasibility of the investment within 30 days.
The casino entertainment complex project, a key element of the government’s ‘entertainment economy’ sector, is set to make a substantial contribution to Thailand’s economy. This sector, which includes tourism, sports, entertainment centres, and MICE (business tourism) business, is showing promising growth and has already started to benefit the nation,’ confirmed government deputy spokesperson Kenika Ounjit.
Citing a study report by a House of Representatives committee, Kenika said the proposed entertainment complex scheme would help Thailand generate more tax revenue and allow the government to help more people.
Underlining the government’s commitment to transparency, Kanika stressed the importance of public involvement and public hearings in the decision-making process. She reiterated that the government is keen to hear the diverse perspectives and concerns of the public before proceeding with the legalisation of casinos in Thailand.
Cabinet ministers have expressed that the government should not be the sole investor in such a project; otherwise, it would lead to new budgetary difficulties. The ideal option is a joint investment with several private partners under a concession agreement.
Another cabinet proposal is that the entertainment complex should be close to the international airport to cater to foreign visitors. In addition, a ‘casino tax’ would have to be introduced, and casino-related businesses would have to be taxed,’ the government spokeswoman said.
The Cabinet Cabinetted the need to create a particular government organisation to deal with the possible adverse effects of the proposed entertainment complex and pass a special law directly regulating the new type of business,’ Kenica said.
A group of university academics strongly objected to the House committee’s report on casino legalisation. The academics from Chulalongkorn University said that legalising casinos in Thailand would do more harm than good.
The academics disagreed with the House of Representatives committee’s assertion that legalising casinos is part of the government’s efforts to stimulate the economy. They said gambling is not recognised by economists as a business activity because it does not create any economic products.
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