Casinos coming to Thailand? This time it just might happen

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And the Prime Minister is in favor of casinos.
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First step taken to legalise casinos

House approves study recommending establishment of entertainment complexes

March 29. 2024

Thailand has taken its first step towards legalising casinos, as the government looks to attract high-spending tourists to support the economy while also checking revenue leakage from illegal gambling.

The House of Representatives on Thursday voted in favour of a study by a panel of lawmakers to allow casinos to be housed within large entertainment complexes. A total of 253 out of 257 lawmakers present voted in favour of the plan.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the study would be forwarded to the cabinet for a decision on whether legalising casinos is “suitable for the nation.”

Thailand is the latest country to consider competing for a pie of the global casino industry, which IBIS World estimates generated $263 billion in revenue last year.

The United Arab Emirates set up a framework for legalised gaming in September, with the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah seen as frontrunners to introduce casinos.

Galaxy Entertainment Group and MGM Resorts International have been studying potential opening of casino resorts in Thailand as a hedge against uncertain prospects in Macau. Closer to home, casino operators in Singapore and the Philippine are putting up a challenge to Macau, which earned $22.75 billion in casino revenue last year.

The study by the House panel found that Thailand could lift tourism revenue by about $12 billion a year by legalising casinos and housing them within large entertainment complexes. Average tourist spending could rise 52% to 65,050 baht per trip once the entertainment hubs are built, netting additional earnings of as much as 449 billion baht, according to the study.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who has been aggressively pushing policies to attract foreign investment and spur tourism, on Thursday expressed his support for the plan to legalise what he called “the grey economy” for better oversight and proper tax collection.

“It’s time for our society to stop hiding the gambling, which is out there, and just properly regulate and take care of it,” he said.

“I am not sure when the law will get approved and an entertainment complex can start operation. It will probably take some time. During the interim period, we need to tackle those illegal activities.”

Though most types of betting are illegal in Thailand, any opening of casinos would be seen to be in line with the recent embrace of some liberal ideas to revive a tourism industry that has yet to return to its pre-pandemic highs.

In 2022, Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis, although the Pheu Thai-led administration is now moving to ban its recreational use. The country is also set to become the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex marriages.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... se-casinos
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PM backs casino legalisation

Proposal will bring 'economic benefits'

by Mongkok Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth

March 29, 2024

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin voiced his support for the opening of entertainment complexes with casinos in the country.

The prime minister said onThursday he believed legalising casinos could curb illegal gambling dens and redirect gamblers' money towards state coffers.

Properly regulated complexes would be subjected to proper tax collection, he said.

Mr Srettha made his remarks as the House of Representatives approved a report prepared by a special House committee studying the feasibility of opening such complexes.

He also tried to allay concern about the potential negative social effects of the opening of casinos, saying such complexes would be regulated by law, with security agencies and local officials overseeing them.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who chairs the House committee, said on Thursday that the study found that such entertainment complexes would yield economic benefits, though negative impacts can also be expected.

Mr Julapan said the complexes would create jobs, boost tourism, and curb illegal gambling.

The study suggested that a bill should be enacted to provide the legal basis for the operation of such complexes.

The study also said that if such complexes were opened, local people would be employed there, and such employment opportunities would be required by law to ensure that local communities benefit through employment. The study likewise proposed new types of taxes, such as a gaming tax and gambling tax from the complexes, he said.

Mr Julapan said such entertainment complexes also feature hotels, shopping malls, amusement parks, and each complex will cost at least 100 billion baht to invest in.

According to the study, the first entertainment complex should be opened near the Eastern Economic Corridor, and if it proves to be a success, similar complexes will open in other regions of the country.

The House committee also studied measures -- based on successful Singapore and US models -- to regulate the complexes and prevent problems.

Part of the revenue collected from the complexes would go to a fund set up to support measures to help people affected and prevent excessive gambling, he said.

Mr Julapan said the study would be forwarded to the cabinet for consideration after it was approved by the House. He said the cabinet may seek additional feedback from all sectors before deciding whether to act on the study's recommendations.

If a bill regarding the opening of the complexes is tabled to parliament, details will be discussed again, Mr Julapan said.

Chakkrapol Tangsutthitham, the House committee's deputy chairman, said he expects the bill regarding the opening of the complexes to be enacted by the end of this year.

Representatives of civil networks from 16 provinces yesterday handed a letter of protest against the entertainment complexes to the House committee studying the matter.

The civil networks expressed their concern about potential problems that may arise, such as family problems, debts, and gambling addiction.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... galisation

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Near-Pattaya location cited to house Thailand’s pilot luxury casino

By Barry Kenyon

March 29, 2024

A parliamentary committee of 60 MPs has recommended by an overwhelming majority the Eastern Economic Corridor to be Thailand’s first legal casino complex. It would also contain non-betting facilities such as five-star hotels, posh restaurants and fun for all the family in a separate section.

In practical terms, the proposal refers to the area of the ever-expanding U-tapao international airport in the province of Rayong, about a forty minutes drive from Pattaya. The committee chairman Julapun Amornvivat said such complexes would yield enormous benefits, although he did not deny the downsides such as addiction and family problems.

The report will now be considered by the Cabinet which will likely seek further public feedback before endorsing the contents. A parliamentary bill is expected to be considered by the end of 2024. The near-Pattaya venture is a pilot to be tested before expansion to other cities country-wide.

Although some Thais remain suspicious of legalized gambling, the younger generation in particular knows that online gambling is now pervasive and very difficult to control by the criminal law. Moreover, the Thai premier Srettha Thavisin is very keen to advocate any and all tourist initiatives, including the waiving of visa requirements for most international tourist arrivals and the promotion of Thailand as a gay-friendly zone.

Gaming experts are warning Thai authorities to be vigilant about guardrails for the future gaming industry. They suggest that entry levies should be introduced to discourage the non-rich and that online betting and secret gaming houses remain illegal for now. Julapun Amornvivat, the parliamentary committee chairman, pointed out that the only other countries in south east Asia currently to ban gambling are Indonesia and Brunei.

Big overseas industry players are expected to line up to win operating licences in Thailand. Las Vegas Sands, which owns Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, as well as MGM Resorts have expressed interest. The Rayong casino and others, once approved, are expected to raise billions of baht annually for the Thai treasury. Several other forms of non-traditional gambling could be permitted including online sports, foreign exchange betting and the stock exchange index. It all depends just how radical Thai authorities want to be.

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ino-456582

[2lz2p]

Will it really happen??

I recall reading similar news about Thailand having Casino gambling with Pattaya to be a primary location - this was 30 years ago and has cropped up periodically over the intervening years. However, it has never materialized. But then again, similar news regarding same sex unions have appeared and it does appear that will come about finally.

So, maybe this time it will actually happen and casino gambling will be approved (I'm not holding my breath). I'm not one to partake, but if it comes about, it no doubt IMO will increase tourist revenues to Thailand's benefit. But for those of us living here will add to the current traffic and infrastructure woes. Even so, I would rather be here than anywhere else.

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(I'm not holding my breath). I'm not one to partake

for those of us living here will add to the current traffic and infrastructure woes.

This time I am holding my breath - mainly because the Prime Minister has come out in favor of it. As far as I know, this is the first time a Thai Prime Minister has done that.

And, by the way, I am one to partake. I used to go to both Las Vegas and Reno frequently and most of the time I was quite lucky. I won much more often than I lost. For example, when I was on my way to Thailand when I was coming to live here permanently, first I gave myself 3 days in Las Vegas, knowing it was probably the last time I would be there. I checked in to my hotel and went directly to the casino. I played a quarter (25 cent) slot machine and within 5 minutes I had won $750. Not bad at all. And I'm not idiot enough to put it all right back. $700 went right to my room safe and stayed there. I kept $50 of it with me and was now gambling on their money - and I won more. Not that much more the first night, but more than enough to get a good ticket for Jerry Seinfeld at Caesar's Palace. I'll certainly want to see if my luck holds out in Thailand.

I'm also not so sure it would add to Pattaya's traffic problems. My understanding is the location would be in the vicinity of the U-Tapao Airport, a good 45 minute drive from Pattaya. Car traffic wouldn't even have to enter Pattaya at all to get there. I think there also would be plenty of shuttle service to and from the casino.

We'll see.

[Jun]

I've never set foot in a Casino. I prefer to participate in something with an expected gain, rather than an expected loss.

The only good thing that can come from Casinos is if they all get built far away from anywhere I want to go and draw away Chinese tourists. Somewhere west of Bangkok would do. Or Chiang Mai.

More likely would be demolishing the best parts of Pattaya to build them, rather like Sihanoukville.

[Gaybutton]

I prefer to participate in something with an expected gain, rather than an expected loss.

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Govt's latest gamble

Questions and Concerns

by Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth

March 31, 2024

Concerns have surfaced over the safety implications and broader societal effects of casino legalisation for an integrated entertainment complex project, particularly with regards to potential risks, especially among youth.

The House of Representatives unanimously approved a study proposal for a state-run integrated entertainment complex, incorporating a casino, with a vote of 253 in favour and four abstentions on Thursday.

This study, conducted by the House committee, aims to assess the feasibility of the integrated entertainment complex as part of a bid to legalise casino gambling and address issues related to illegal gambling.

Deputy Finance Minister and Chairman of the House committee, Julapun Amornvivat, said the study's findings could be presented to the cabinet for review within the next two weeks.

However, certain academics have expressed disagreement and urged the government to devise preventive measures to mitigate the potential negative impacts associated with casinos.

SOME CONCERNS

Nualnoi Treerat, director of the centre for gambling studies, highlighted various areas of ambiguity within the House's legislative bill concerning the definition of an entertainment complex.

She noted the uncertainty sur‑ rounding whether certain activities permitted within the complex should be categorised as gaming or casino-related.

Drawing attention to Singapore's Marina Bay Sands complex, where only 3% of the premises are designated for the casino, Ms Nualnoi highlighted the challenges faced by Singapore, including a significant percentage of residents among the visitors and the adverse effects of gambling addiction on families.

In response to these challenges, the government implemented measures such as levying special fees to limit the number of visitors and establishing committees to monitor the casino's impact and adjust measures accordingly.

"Like Singapore, strict policies and legal limitations should be enforced in Thailand," she suggested.

Thailand, she said, seemed to focus mainly on generating money from casinos, without thoroughly considering the negative impacts.

Ms Nualnoi also expressed her concern about the efficiency of the authorities in enforcing laws -- including the restriction of people under 20.

"We often hear about the sale of alcohol to the underage, despite the law," she said.

The bill could also add to the misconception that legal casinos will help eradicate illegal gambling dens.

"Illegal gambling will persist unless effectively regulated," she said, adding that illegal casinos would continue due to their lower costs.

Another concern she raised involved the establishment of compensation funds for affected individuals, the sources of which remain unclear, she said.

Wasinee Sonsab, a representative of the Stop Gambling Foundation, highlighted the increasing accessibility of gambling through both online platforms and physical dens.

According to a survey by the centre for gambling studies, nearly three million individuals aged between 15 and 25 have fallen victim to gambling.

This figure does not yet include newcomers to various online platforms, estimated at around 700,000 people.

Even with the legalisation of casinos in Thailand, weak enforcement of laws raises concerns about preventing underage individuals from accessing these establishments, Ms Wasinee said.

This lax enforcement could contribute to the normalisation of gambling among children and a significant increase in the number of gamblers.

"If gambling is legalised, online platforms will become easily accessible to youths since website registration does not require age verification," she said.

RISE OF FUTURE GDP

Kosol Pattama, a Pheu Thai MP for Nakhon Ratchasima and member of the House committee, announced the formation of three sub-committees to scrutinise the legal aspects and impacts of the integrated entertainment complex project, alongside studying its business structure and tax collection methods.

He outlined the project's components, including a department store, five-star hotel, restaurants, bars, meeting halls, health centres, sports stadiums, yacht clubs, game arcades, water parks, amusement parks, and a Thai culture and OTOP product promotion zone, as defined by the committee.

Referring to Singapore and Japan as models, the House committee plans to estimate the casino's potential income for the country.

"We anticipate a 2% increase in gross domestic product (GDP) if funds flow into the country, leading to job creation and higher local incomes," stated Mr Kosol.

The entertainment complex policy committee, chaired by the prime minister, will oversee legal affairs, including designating casino zones and setting regulations, fees, and other guidelines.

Mr Kosol suggested Bangkok and special economic zones like the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) as potential hosts for the entertainment complex.

However, to promote tourism and distribute income locally, he advocated developing the project in provincial areas too.

An initial study proposed that the ideal location for the project should be within 100 kilometres of Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-tapao airports, covering areas in 17 nearby provinces in the Central Plains and the East, 22 tourism-oriented provinces, and 22 provinces along borders.

Mr Kosol said that approximately 11 million tourists visited the kingdom in 2022. According to statistics from Macau, 10% of casino patrons were foreigners, with 90% of them being Chinese.

Similarly, a survey indicated that 95% of casino patrons in Cambodia were Thai, generating an estimated revenue of 12.2 billion baht, with 2.81 billion baht from foreigners and 9.45 billion baht from Thais.

The House Committee supports the legalisation of casinos to create jobs and generate revenue, he said.

"Nowadays, nearly every country has legalised casinos, and I believe this venture can stimulate our economy.

"Thailand boasts numerous tourist destinations and entertainment offerings for both Thai and foreign visitors," he said.

He also said the tourist industry is a vital driver of the country's economy.

The entertainment complex is expected to generate revenue from tourists, while the government can use taxes collected from the casino to fund operations aimed at curbing illegal gambling and addressing gambling addiction, thereby enhancing people's living standards.

PROS AND CONS

Pol Maj Gen Supisan Phakdee-naruenat, deputy leader of Move Forward Party (MFP) and chairman of the sub-committee studying the impact of the entertainment complex, said the study has been carried out, but is not yet complete.

Officials have been invited to discuss the impact of the complex on morality, culture, and religion.

"The entertainment complex project has the potential to bolster employment rates and impact the operations of illegal gambling dens, potentially contributing to a decrease in crime rates," said Pol Maj Gen Supisan.

"However, it could also lead to an increase in issues such as gambling addiction, domestic violence, debt, and drug-related problems, he said.

He added that such a venture poses risks to national security, including heightened concerns regarding transnational crime, illegal labour practices, and human trafficking.

He stressed the importance of implementing age requirements for casino entry to mitigate the risk of human trafficking.

He also underscored the necessity of data analysis, public hearings, and appropriate measures to address these concerns effectively.

According to the study, there is a possibility that school curriculums may incorporate casino and other business programmes to align with the labour market demands of the entertainment complex industry.

However, such subjects may distract students from mainstream academia and lead them into illegal activities in the future.

The matter may also have an impact on mental health, learning abilities, critical thinking, and the emotions of children, he said.

The study also showed that the construction of the mega-sized complex could cause noise pollution and impact the ecosystem and environment, including deforestation and dust pollution.

Water in the area may also be contaminated from waste and chemicals.

The noise pollution caused by construction and entertainment activities may also disturb nearby residents.

Gambling and night-time entertainment venues contradict the moral beliefs of various religions, particularly Islam in Malaysia, and could potentially encourage undesirable behaviours among the populace, Pol Maj Gen Supisan said.

The project thus needs a thorough study of local norms, environmental factors, the economy and living condition of people, he said.

"The report might take some time. As this project is aimed to generate income from tourists, the related committee should set criteria, including minimum age, income and fee payments to screen them," he added.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/sp ... est-gamble

See also: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand ... l/40036846