The country’s House of Representatives could debate casino legalization next week
Thailand is the only non-Muslim ASEAN country with no legal casinos. However, a committee of the Thai National Assembly is weighing the possibility of legalizing retail gaming venues on March 28. According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the country’s Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, declared that Thailand’s House of Representatives will meet next Thursday to debate the casino bill.
Amornvivat’s announcement comes one week after a Thai House committee concluded its analysis of the probable legalization of casinos. The proposal’s latest version, comprising ten chapters and 68 separate articles, will “immediately” be sent to the Thai Cabinet for approval if passed by the House. “The final decision will depend on the Cabinet,” said Amornvivat
Several media reports have stated that the bill would designate a regulatory authority to manage casino operations within “broader entertainment complexes.” It was backed by a new 60-member committee created after Thailand selected Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister last August under the new coalition government.
The casino bill conflicts with the proposal presented by the previous government. One difference is that it requires that any new combined resort (IR) development “must not be adjacent to Bangkok.”
If the legislation is passed, it could generate billions of dollars from Thai gamblers, foreign investors and tourists, “who would otherwise spend gaming money in neighboring countries,” according to the House committee.
Pichet Chuamuangphan, second vice-chairman of the committee, stated, “We’re focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money out of their pockets. This will also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect hefty taxes for our economic security.”
