As the Thai government moves nearer to lifting the ban on casinos within huge entertainment facilities, this issue has received mixed reactions throughout the country. The bill concerning Entertainment Complex Business Operation Bill that would like to develop Las Vegas style resorts with casinos, hotels, and entertainment establishments have been inspiring Thai citizens and global spectators ..
Supporters of the bill continue that legalizing gambling will lead to considerable economic returns in Thailand. The government expects that these entertainment complexes could yield taxes of at least 12 billion baht (approximately US$350 million) during the initial year of the operation only. Further, proponents argue that the step will generate many jobs, increase the number of tourists, and prop up Thailand against other ASEAN nations, which have legalised betting facilities.
Despite the above facts, the opponents of the plan stated numerous potential adverse effects on the Thai society. Some people are very much concerned that approval of casinos may trigger the rise of cases of pathological gambling, especially among the youth. There are also concerns that the casinos may act as centres for money laundering and other unlawful business as there are also worries despite the government’s word on high standards and monitoring.
The Pheu Thai party led by the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is also trying to ease these issues through several measures, which has been presented in the bill. This includes a requirement that the minimum age for the gambling and casino business should not be below the age of 20 years, Thai citizens must be charged a considerably high entry fees, the casino business must meet stringent licensing rules and regulations as well as meeting very strict conditions on how it has to be run.
Nevertheless, there are things that certain opposition parties and civil society groups urge remain skeptical of these safeguards. For example, Thai Sang Thai Party has been an opponent of the project stating that ineffective implementation of the law could be a problem in the regulation of the new casino business. Some have asked if the economic advantages of casino are going to offset the social disadvantages.
The debate has also brought to light social transformation in Thais’ perception of gambling. Before, gambling has always been considered to be bad for a number of religious and cultural inspirations, but the recent polls revealed that in the future large segment of population is ready to see casinos as quite legal in case if only it would wash out the underground casinos and bring money to the state budget.
Leading the way, it seems that the focus is shifting more and more to what will become of the areas that the government has in mind for these entertainment zones. Although the specific localities have not yet been named it is expected that hubs like the island of Phuket or Pattaya, Chiang Mai or areas in the Thailand’s proximity as well as the Bangkok and its outskirts may be targeted.
Today, Thailand’s observations are particularly closely watched by the international gambling industry. If successful, Thailand’s casino resorts may yet become as competitive as Singapore and even challenge Macau in Asia gambling market domination. Other analysts have estimated that properly controlled Thai casinos could be as successful as Macau today, which is the planet’s most popular gambling center.
There still a long way until legal casinos come to Thailand and there are many barriers that may show themselves in the way. It now to go through parliament and it may face a lot of opposition from some of the parliamentarians and groups in the society. Moreover, the question of social concerns and crime prevention remains relevant and the government will have to tackle certain important, but non-trivial questions related to the regulation of this market.
With the new perspective Thailand is on the Almost the last year was decisive in regard to Thailand’s readiness to leap and join the ranks of big Asian casino destinations. The result of this daring decision can affect thecountry’s economy, the society, and Thailand’s status in the international market for tourism for several years more.
