Thailand gambles on casinos to bring in more visitors

In a bid to boost tourism and a sluggish economy, Thailand is mulling the legalisation of casinos. A draft bill, that was approved on Monday, is the first step in bringing gambling clubs to the country.

Some forms of gambling, such as betting on boxing and horse racing, are allowed in Thailand. However, casinos remain illegal.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters following the cabinet meeting that the bill would also help attract more investments and solve issues of illegal gambling

“It will benefit society as a whole in the future,” Paetongtarn said. “This is part of the government’s policy to support sustainable tourism, or man-made destinations, which was addressed in Parliament.”

She said the Finance Ministry, which sponsored the bill, would later provide more details about the plans, which are being promoted as “entertainment complexes.”

Thailand casinos could provide a welcome economic boost

The current government, which took office in September, has pledged to make Thailand’s economic woes their top agenda.

The draft of the law says a casino would be allowed to operate within a complex that also houses other businesses such as a hotel, convention hall, mall or theme park.

Those younger than 20 years old will not be able to access the casinos. Plans are to allow foreigners access for free but Thai citizens must pay a 5,000 baht (€140) entrance fee, according to the draft.

The bill will be submitted to the Office of the Council State for review and then to Parliament to be discussed and voted on by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“Isn’t it time for Thailand to acknowledge that there are gambling places, both legal and illegal, in the country and also the neighbouring countries?” said government spokesperson Jirayu Hoangsub. “This project aims to generate revenue for the country’s tourism sector.”

Tourism is the main driver of the Thai economy and has always been the focus of the different administrations to improve the economy.