As the Philippine government further tightens its gambling policies, the last day of its implementation, December 31, 2024, has passed, marking the complete shutdown of the gambling industry in the Philippines.
The gambling industry, once reliant on the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (PAGCOR), is now forced to find new footholds. Thailand, with its lower regulatory intensity and relatively relaxed environment, has become the preferred destination for many gambling practitioners.
These gambling personnel, who have moved from the Philippines to Thailand, have quickly had a positive impact on the Thai economy with their generous spending power.
However, their arrival has also been accompanied by a series of cultural conflicts and social issues, leading to mixed impressions of them in Thai society, and even creating the stereotype of "Chinese people being foolish with their money."
Complete End of POGO Policy, Massive Migration of the Gambling Industry to Thailand
Since the introduction of the "PAGCOR" offshore gambling license policy in 2016, the Philippines quickly attracted a large number of gambling practitioners, especially from Chinese enterprises and personnel.
However, in recent years, the Philippine government has gradually recognized the negative impacts of the gambling industry, including money laundering, worsening public security, and international relations issues.
Therefore, the government decided to completely stop this policy, setting a final deadline: after today, all offshore gambling operations will be completely banned.
Facing policy pressure, a large number of gambling enterprises and practitioners were forced to choose relocation, and Thailand, due to its geographical proximity, moderate cost of living, and relatively lax gambling regulation, became the preferred destination for these practitioners. Now, with the end of the Philippine gambling policy, these relocated gambling personnel will have to adapt to a long-term life in Thailand.
The high consumption of gambling personnel drives economic growth in Thailand. Known for high income, these relocated gambling personnel in Thailand generally have sufficient funds and a relatively open spending concept. They have quickly had a positive impact on multiple sectors of the Thai economy in a short time.
The high-end real estate market is booming. A large number of gambling personnel choose to rent high-end apartments or villas in cities like Bangkok, with monthly rents often costing tens of thousands of Thai baht. This not only pushes up local rental prices but also brings new business opportunities to real estate developers.
Luxury consumption surges. Gambling practitioners are particularly prominent in their consumption of luxury goods and high-end services. Designer bags, luxury cars, and jewelry have become their common purchases. Additionally, high-end restaurants, nightclubs, and private clubs also see increased revenue due to their frequent patronage.
The tourism industry benefits. These individuals also become important clients for the Thai tourism industry, from luxury island vacations to high-end medical and health services, their spending directly promotes the growth of multiple industries.
Image controversy: The behavior of gambling personnel leads to negative views. Although the high consumption of gambling personnel has contributed to the Thai economy, their behavior and cultural adaptation issues have sparked widespread controversy, even damaging the overall image of Chinese people in Thailand.
"Foolish with money" stereotype. While some gambling practitioners flaunt their wealth in entertainment venues, often displaying behavior that does not align with local culture, many Thais have formed the impression that Chinese people are "foolish with money." They like to spend ostentatiously in entertainment venues, often considered a lack of taste and cultural respect.
Public behavior issues. Some gambling personnel do not adhere to Thai social rules, such as making noise at late-night gatherings and ignoring Thai etiquette standards. These behaviors cause dissatisfaction among Thai residents and further exacerbate prejudices against foreigners.
The adverse effects of the gambling industry. Although these practitioners have not yet violated relevant Thai laws, the gambling industry itself is not highly accepted in Thai society. Some Thais express concerns about these personnel moving in, fearing that it may lead to a deterioration of local public security and moral issues.
Strict scrutiny of Philippine visas, returning to the Philippines is now a luxury, and adapting to a long-term life in Thailand is also full of challenges for those who have moved to Thailand. For gambling practitioners who have relocated to Thailand, the end of the Philippine policy means that they must find possibilities for long-term development in Thailand. However, to integrate into society in a foreign land and change their image, they need to face the following challenges and suggestions:
Legal and compliant operations. Although Thailand's regulation of the gambling industry is relatively lax, many behaviors in the gambling industry still operate in a legal gray area. Gambling practitioners must always be aware of legality issues to avoid crossing legal red lines.
Enhancing cultural adaptability. Gambling personnel living in Thailand need to actively understand and respect local culture, avoid loud noises, flaunt wealth, and strive to demonstrate higher personal quality and professional integrity.
Rational consumption and giving back to society. Appropriately reducing high-profile consumption behavior, participating in public welfare activities and community construction, and actively integrating into Thai society can improve local residents' views of gambling personnel.
Conclusion:
With the end of the Philippine PAGCOR policy, a large number of gambling personnel have flooded into Thailand, which, while driving economic development, has also exposed the difficulties of cultural conflict and social integration. For these gambling practitioners, adapting to a long-term life in Thailand is not only a necessity for economic development but also an important task in shaping the image of Chinese people in the international community.
How to contribute to the economy while showing respect for culture and social rules may be an issue that these gambling practitioners need to seriously consider in the future. Only by doing so can they truly integrate into Thailand and make a more positive contribution to local economic and social harmony.
