The Pheu Thai Party defends its plan to legalize its casino entertainment complex, claiming that this move will help boost Thailand's economy and generate significant tax revenue.
This action is in response to concerns from the opposition party, Thai Sang Thai, about lax law enforcement, which they believe could hinder effective regulation of the casino industry.
According to Thai news reports, the party emphasized that legalizing underground gambling and taxing casino projects could contribute over 50% to Thailand's GDP, with these revenues supporting education and other development projects.
The Pheu Thai Party highlighted the potential of developing the global "entertainment economy," which includes tourism, entertainment, and sports, valued at approximately $3.7 trillion. Legalizing casinos is seen as a key strategy to capture this market and increase revenue.
The Fiscal Policy Office predicts that by 2028, the global casino entertainment market will reach $2.2 trillion. Pheu Thai believes Thailand can benefit from this trend, estimating that the first year of casino legalization will generate at least 12 billion baht ($360 million) in taxes.
The government is also advancing a bill that allows legal operation of casinos. This bill includes issuing a 30-year operating license to casino operators and will undergo public consultation before being submitted to the cabinet.
Potential locations for the casino complex include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, also expressed support for Thailand's entertainment complex policy, as long as it complies with legal and ethical standards and makes a positive contribution to the economy.
