The government will have to review 45 changes following a public consultation
Thailand is set to undergo a significant change in its casino legislation as the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) has wrapped up public hearings on a proposed entertainment complex bill. The findings from these hearings are expected to be submitted to the Cabinet soon, with 45 main points under consideration for refining the draft.
The move toward legalizing casinos stems from an earlier recommendation by the House of Representatives, which suggested that allowing entertainment complexes with casinos could boost tourism and generate substantial revenue for the country. One key suggestion from the hearings is to rename the bill from the “Entertainment Complex with Casino Act” to the “Integrated Resort Act.”
Another proposal is to expand the range of entertainment activities allowed within these complexes, increasing from four types to seven. Among the new activities could be zones that promote Thai culture, adding a local flavor to the international allure of these establishments.
A hot topic in the hearings was ownership, with participants recommending that Thai nationals hold between 30% and 51% of shares in any entertainment complex. Opinions were also divided on the length of license validity, with suggestions ranging from reducing it to 10 years to extending it up to 60 years.
The number of entertainment complexes was another point of debate, with many suggesting limiting them to between three and seven across major tourist hubs like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Rayong, and Hua Hin, rather than concentrating them in Bangkok. Additionally, entry fees for Thai citizens could range from 1,000 to 2,000 baht (US$30 to US$60) per visit, or 20,000 to 40,000 baht (US$600 to US$1,200) for an annual pass.
The next step involves Cabinet deliberation, with potential changes to Thai casino legislation on the horizon.
