Thailand’s government has taken a significant step towards legalizing gambling with the approval of a controversial bill that would permit casinos to operate within entertainment complexes. The proposal, which aims to enhance tourism and address illicit gambling, marks a shift in the country’s longstanding approach to gaming laws.

The draft law, approved by the Thai Cabinet, seeks to legalize gambling facilities as part of larger entertainment complexes. These centers would incorporate features like theme parks, shopping malls, water parks, hotels, and conference spaces, reflecting a broader vision for integrated tourist destinations. While gambling is currently restricted to specific activities like state-run horse racing and lotteries, illegal betting remains pervasive in Thailand.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that the measure aligns with broader goals of increasing tourism revenue and attracting investment. “The objectives are to increase revenue, support investment in Thailand, and solve illegal gambling,” Shinawatra stated. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat added that the initiative could boost tourist numbers by 5% to 10% and create up to 15,000 jobs.

Opposition from the Council of State

While the bill has garnered support for its potential economic benefits, it has faced resistance from Thailand’s Council of State, according to Bangkok Post. Critics argue that the proposal’s narrow focus on gambling facilities contradicts the government’s broader tourism objectives, which emphasize integrated attractions similar to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Japan’s resort districts.

A key concern raised by the Council involves defining the components of the entertainment complexes. Questions persist over whether such complexes will integrate hotels, restaurants, and other facilities already regulated by existing laws. Additionally, the Council suggests that amendments to the Gambling Act of 1935 might provide a more efficient way to regulate the industry rather than introducing an entirely new law.

Details of the Proposed Bill

Under the draft bill, licenses to operate casinos would come with strict regulations, including quotas for Thai and foreign employees. Entry to the gambling facilities would be restricted to those over 20 years old, and Thai citizens would need to pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht per visit. Other stipulations prohibit promotional activities targeting gambling, aiming to ensure responsible operations within the complexes.

The Finance Ministry projects substantial economic benefits if the bill becomes law. The ministry estimates annual tourism revenue could increase by up to 475.5 billion baht, with government revenue gains of 12–39 billion baht annually. Additionally, the initiative could generate between 9,000 and 15,300 jobs.

Broader Implications

Although the bill offers the potential for economic growth, it faces challenges from conservative elements in Thailand, a predominantly Buddhist nation that has historically opposed gambling. Critics have also raised concerns about potential risks, including the possibility of casinos being exploited for money laundering, an issue highlighted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its report on Southeast Asian gaming facilities, cited by The Business Standard.

The proposal is now set to undergo review by the Office of the Council of State before heading to Parliament for further discussion and a vote. If passed, the law could represent a pivotal change in Thailand’s approach to gambling, aligning it more closely with neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos, where similar complexes have already been established.

While the journey toward legalization is expected to take several months, the bill has already sparked considerable debate over its economic promise and societal implications. Whether it becomes law or not, the discussion marks a pivotal moment in Thailand’s efforts to modernize its tourism sector and address the challenges posed by illegal gambling.