The Thai government continues to push for the expansion of gambling in large “entertainment establishments” throughout Thailand which can lead to the remaking of Thailand’s tourist industry and the overall economy. As the proposed legislation picks up steam particularly in the past few weeks, these consolidated casino establishments will include hotels, restaurants, concert venues, sports complexes, and amusement parks.
The bill on entertainment complex business operations has just ended its two weeks public display and has received excellent support from a number of sectors. Supporters of the bill claimed it will also create employment opportunities, increase tourism receipts, and spur economic development in a country that depends on this industry.
A study conducted and presented to the Thai Parliament last year stated that these entertainment complexes would be able to contribute at least US$ billion on the first year of its advent to the tourism industry. This form of facilities are identified and expected to work like the ones currently running Singapore and Macau with the government to award license for five casinos in a country. Of these, two are projected to be in Bangkok while one in Chiang Mai, Phuket and in the Eastern Economic Corridor.
The call for the expansion of casinos coincides with Thailand when the country’s economy has been deteriorating, and looking for a way to boost tourists’ coming especially from china where gambling is forbidden except in Macao. Through entering the so called fun economy of US$13.7 trillion worldwide Thailand is trying to attract tourists not only by sun sand sea but also offer more competitive form of tourism in the region.
But, to legalize it is not always a smooth task. Anti-reformists have stated that bringing casinos into the state will worsen instances of pathological gambling and create a platform for boosters of crime syndicates. There are also apprehension about the social implication to Thai society because Thais have generally been against gambling due to religion and culture issues.
In order to counteract these concerns, the proposed legislation foresees a number of measures. Currently citizens from Thailand would be charged 5,000 baht (approximately 147 USD) to be allowed into the casinos, foreign nationals shall not be charged this fee. This bill also has the democratic value of barring persons below the age of 20 from accessing such premises.
However, most analysts agree that pro-casino legislation will proceed apace after last year’s political change that saw former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin removed from office, who was one of the key advocates of the act as it stands today; the new Premier, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is viewed as likely to move forwards with this agenda. The current coalition government’s Pheu Thai Party supported the project with the explanations that it would eliminate unlawful betting and bring significant revenues to the country’s budget.
With Thailand gradually heading further towards the legalization of casinos, the focus is on how this will likely shape the southeast Asian gambling markets. For that reason, some analysts believe that should Thailand manage to build its casino sector, it stands the chance of becoming a fierce rival to the current gambling destinations such as Macau and Singapore by the close of the decade.
The next few months are going to be decisive for Thailand and its government as they are to develop and approve the casino laws. There is lot at stake and if this risky move pays off, it could alter the socio-economic structure and tourism landscape of Thailand for generations to come as well as the world looks on with bated breath at this brave bet in the land of a smile.
