Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has confirmed that licenses for casinos within Thailand’s proposed entertainment complexes will be awarded through an open and transparent bidding process. Speaking to supporters in Nakhon Phanom on January 18, Thaksin emphasized that all interested parties would be invited to compete, ensuring that the process remains fair and competitive.

Addressing concerns and clarifying the scope of the project:

Thaksin, who is also the de facto leader of the Pheu Thai Party, dismissed rumors of opposition within the coalition government regarding the controversial bill. Despite ongoing debates, he remains confident that the proposed legislation will pass into law by the end of the year. Once enacted, the bill will set the stage for the development of large-scale entertainment complexes across the country, each housing casinos, sports arenas, hotels, and other attractions aimed at boosting Thailand’s tourism sector.

The primary goal of the legislation, according to Thaksin, is to legally regulate the thriving underground gambling industry, which is currently estimated to involve millions of Thai citizens. By formalizing these activities, the government aims to generate substantial tax revenue while controlling illegal gambling operations.

Thaksin addressed concerns over the potential negative effects of legalized gambling, including fears of money laundering and criminal involvement. He attributed much of the public unease to a lack of clear communication about the true scope of the entertainment complex bill. “The casinos will occupy no more than 10% of each complex,” he said. “The rest will be dedicated to various other attractions, such as sports stadiums, water parks, and even ice-skating rinks.”

In line with this, Thaksin pointed out that the entertainment complex model would resemble those seen in Las Vegas and Singapore, offering a wide range of experiences to tourists, far beyond just gambling. His vision includes a variety of recreational and leisure activities that will provide additional employment opportunities and generate revenue.

The bill is designed to ensure that gambling operations are closely regulated, with specific measures to prevent underage gambling and addiction. Thaksin highlighted that anyone under 20 would be prohibited from entering casinos, and there would be provisions for rehabilitation for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Economic benefits and job creation:

Thaksin stressed that the entertainment complex project is expected to create significant economic opportunities for local communities. Each complex will generate up to 20,000 jobs, with a minimum salary of 20,000 baht per month for workers. He pointed out that this initiative is part of a broader effort to improve Thailand’s economic outlook, which has been severely impacted by the financial burdens left by the previous administration.

The Thai government, facing a national debt that amounts to 60% of the country’s GDP, is actively seeking ways to bolster its economy. Thaksin argued that the entertainment complexes would help address this issue by attracting both local and international visitors. “Thailand needs new sources of revenue,” he said. “We cannot continue to rely on the same old methods.”

Additionally, the government is projecting an influx of international tourists, a trend that has been recovering post-COVID-19. With more than 40 million visitors expected annually once the entertainment complexes are operational, Thaksin anticipates a revitalization of the tourism sector, which was one of Thailand’s most significant economic drivers before the pandemic.

Alongside the push for legalizing physical casinos, the Thai government is also moving toward legalizing online gambling, an industry that remains largely unregulated. According to Thaksin, the government is considering measures to regulate online gambling and bring it under the same legal framework as the physical casino industry.

In addition to gambling, the government has outlined plans to introduce stablecoins—cryptocurrencies backed by tangible assets like gold or government bonds—into Thailand’s economy. Thaksin emphasized that while cryptocurrency is a separate issue from gambling, the government aims to create a secure environment for low-risk digital currencies to flourish, including a special “cryptocurrency sandbox” to be launched in Phuket by October 2025.

While Thaksin’s proposal has generated significant debate, he remains firm in his belief that the public supports the idea. As thai.news reports, he dismissed calls for a national referendum, stating, “If the majority of people agree, we will proceed. If not, we will stop.” According to Thaksin, public opinion on the issue has been largely favorable, with surveys indicating minimal opposition to the plan.

Regarding the legislative process, the bill has already been approved in principle by the cabinet and is now set to be discussed in the House of Representatives. According to Bangkok Post, Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub noted that the deliberations could take up to six months before the bill is finalized. If passed, Thailand’s ambitious entertainment complex project is expected to be launched by 2026, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to gambling and tourism.

While some critics, including opposition members, express concerns about the potential for criminal activity, Thaksin has insisted that the government is taking steps to ensure the safety and integrity of the proposed system. He argued that regulatory measures, along with increased transparency and oversight, will mitigate the risks associated with both land-based and online gambling.