Thailand is poised to embark on a significant legislative move towards legalizing large-scale entertainment complexes that include casinos, announced Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The final draft of the bill, expected to be ready for Cabinet deliberations within the next three to four weeks, marks a crucial step in this ambitious initiative.
According to Julapun, input from 16 government agencies has already been integrated into the draft, emphasizing a collaborative approach in crafting the legislation. These insights, he noted, will be included as supplementary documents to further refine the initial bill proposed by a dedicated House committee focused on the project. The consensus among these agencies underscores the potential economic benefits, with projections suggesting investments could range between 30 billion to 50 billion baht.
The proposed complexes are designed not only to accommodate casinos, occupying no more than 5% of their total space, but also to feature hotels and a variety of entertainment facilities aimed at enhancing tourism and economic activity in Thailand. Despite the economic promise, concerns about the social impact of gambling have prompted recommendations from several agencies for protective measures, which will be considered as part of the legislative process.
Once approved by the Cabinet, the bill will undergo scrutiny by the Office of the Council of State before being presented to the House of Representatives. A national committee comprising representatives from various agencies will oversee the implementation of the project, ensuring comprehensive governance and regulatory frameworks are in place.
This legislative development reflects Thailand’s strategic approach to harnessing the potential of entertainment and tourism sectors while addressing associated social concerns. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat’s announcement signals a pivotal phase in shaping Thailand’s future economic landscape through structured and regulated entertainment complexes.
