Thailand Edges Closer to Legalising Casinos

_{Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra claims having casinos remaining illegal favors the illegal market in Thailand. (Image: Associated Press / Alamy)}

Following what seems like an eternity for the gambling industry, Thailand's Cabinet has finally approved a draft bill legalizing casino destinations.

The hope is that by legalising gambling, the country's struggling economy would get a boost along with the tourism sector. The issue has dragged on for some time, with various reports of will they, won’t they occupying numerous news reports. 

Some Gambling Allowed in Thailand

While people are allowed to bet on boxing and horse racing, casinos have remained illegal, with some, like Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, claiming that this has favoured the illegal gambling market in Thailand.  

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

It is expected that the Finance Ministry will provide more details about the plans for legalising casinos, which are being promoted as ‘entertainment complexes,’ at a later date. 

Hopes Casinos Will Boost Tourism and Economy 

Politicians are hoping that this move will ease the country's economic difficulties. The gambling market is known to bring in huge sums of money for the economy, providing much-needed employment and inward investment in hotels and restaurants. Some of the big gambling industry players, like MGM, have already been eyeing the Thailand market.   

The draft of the law, which was published online for public viewing, confirms that casinos would be allowed to operate within a complex that also houses other businesses such as a hotel, convention hall, mall or theme park.  

Safeguards to Protect Vulnerable Sections of Community  

There will be safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people, including a ban on the under 20’s from accessing the casinos.   

The casinos will be free to enter for foreign visitors, but Thai citizens would have to pay a fee of 5,000 baht ($148) to enter. The bill is yet to be voted on and approved by members of the House of Representatives and the Senate.  

Government spokesperson Jirayu Hoangsub said, “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? This project aims to generate revenue for the country´s tourism sector.”