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Thailand to soon have legal casino’s

  • Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft bill legalizing casinos within entertainment complexes to boost tourism and economy
  • Thai citizens will pay a 5,000 baht entry fee, while foreigners can access casinos for free
  • Former PM Thaksin proposes online gambling regulation, predicting 100 billion baht in annual tax revenue for Thailand

14 Jan 2025

Thailand to soon have legal casino’s

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft bill to legalize casinos, marking a significant shift in the country’s stance on gambling. The proposal is part of the government's broader strategy to enhance the tourism sector and address the challenges posed by illegal gambling. The bill was approved with the aim of creating new revenue streams for the country’s economy, which has been under pressure due to global economic conditions and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the provisions of the draft bill, casinos will be permitted to operate within designated “entertainment complexes.” These complexes are intended to house a variety of other businesses, including hotels, shopping malls, convention centers, and theme parks. This approach is designed to create integrated destinations that appeal to both domestic and international tourists. Foreign visitors will be able to enter the casinos without an entry fee, while Thai citizens will be required to pay 5,000 baht (approximately USD 148) to access these gambling facilities. The draft law also prohibits individuals under the age of 20 from entering casinos, ensuring age restrictions are adhered to.

The government’s primary aim is to regulate the gambling sector, which has long been present in the country in both legal and illegal forms. According to the bill, the legalization of casinos is intended to reduce the scope of illegal gambling and ensure the industry is properly regulated. Government spokesperson Jirayu Hoangsub emphasized that the legalization would help generate revenue for the tourism sector, which is a vital part of Thailand’s economy. He also noted that the existence of both legal and illegal gambling in the country, as well as in neighboring regions, made this step necessary for the government to harness the potential revenue from regulated gambling.

The draft bill will now be reviewed by the Office of the Council of State before being submitted to the Thai Parliament for further discussion. If approved, it will pave the way for the establishment of licensed casinos in selected areas. The government hopes that this will create jobs, attract foreign investment, and increase tourism. Tourism is a major contributor to Thailand’s GDP, and the legalization of casinos is seen as a way to enhance the country’s global appeal as a tourist destination.

Thailand has long faced challenges in balancing its economy, with tourism consistently a major pillar. However, in recent years, the sector has been affected by global economic slowdowns and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The legalization of casinos is seen as a potential means to rejuvenate the tourism industry by offering high-value entertainment options that could attract affluent international visitors.

In addition to the casinos, discussions are also underway regarding the regulation of online gambling. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a prominent figure in Thai politics, has been vocal about the potential benefits of legalizing online gambling. He estimates that legal online gambling could generate up to 100 billion baht (USD 2.89 billion) annually in tax revenue. Thaksin has suggested that a digital identification system could be implemented to monitor and control access to online gambling platforms, ensuring that only eligible individuals participate while preventing underage gambling and addiction.

The proposal has sparked debate in the country, particularly among conservative groups who express concerns about the social impact of gambling. However, supporters argue that the legalization and regulation of gambling could reduce illegal activities, increase government revenue, and create economic opportunities for the tourism and entertainment sectors. The bill's passage would mark a significant shift in Thailand’s approach to gambling, allowing the government to regulate a sector that has long been part of the country's informal economy.

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Thailand Cabinet approves casino legalization bill
Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft bill legalizing casinos within entertainment complexes to boost tourism and economy





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