Thailand's Cabinet Approves Bill to Legalize Gambling in Entertainment Complexes

The Thai cabinet has taken a significant step by approving a Bill aimed at legalizing gambling within specialized entertainment complexes, which are intended to enhance tourism and provide employment opportunities. If passed, this law would enable the establishment of casinos in areas that also house attractions such as theme parks, water parks, hotels, and retail spaces.

Currently, gambling in Thailand is restricted to state-sanctioned horse racing and an official lottery, but illegal betting activities are prevalent across the country. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra conveyed to the media that the bill's primary goals are to generate more revenue, attract foreign investment, and combat illegal gambling operations.

Before heading to parliament for debate and a vote, the Bill will be drafted by the Office of the Council of State, which may take several months. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on tourism, Thailand has been implementing various strategies to attract visitors, including easing visa requirements for travelers from China and India.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed optimism that these entertainment complexes could lead to a 5% to 10% increase in tourist arrivals and create up to 15,000 jobs. However, the specifics regarding the locations and construction timelines of the proposed complexes have not yet been disclosed.

Opposition to the legalization of gambling remains strong among conservative segments within predominantly Buddhist Thailand, despite the prevalence of clandestine casinos in neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Concerns have also been raised by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, which indicated that casinos in Southeast Asia could facilitate organized crime and money laundering activities.