On January 7, 2025, the Thai government began in-depth discussions on the legalization of online gambling while pushing for the legalization of physical casinos within entertainment complexes.
As the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand is seeking to further tap into the tax potential by combining the gambling and tourism industries, thereby enhancing economic resilience.
On January 7, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Jantararuangtong, made a public speech stating that discussions on the legalization of online gambling are expected to be completed in the coming months. This move also schedules the legalization of online gambling.
He pointed out that currently, online gambling platforms handle a large amount of money daily, but are not included in the regulatory system, resulting in a significant loss of potential tax revenue. He believes that legalizing these activities and imposing appropriate taxes would have a positive impact on the national economy.
Furthermore, Prasert mentioned that the proposal to restrict individuals under the age of 20 from participating in online gambling has not yet been discussed in detail, but the government will take measures to ensure the protection of minors. He also promised that any decisions regarding the legalization of online gambling would be based on a strict regulatory framework to balance economic benefits with social responsibilities.
The plan for casino construction within integrated resorts is accelerating. The Thai government also plans to complete the approval processes related to casinos within entertainment complexes by the end of 2025. Once legalized, the casinos will operate in the form of integrated resorts, combining gambling, hotels, shopping, and entertainment to attract more international tourists and investors. This strategy is considered an important measure to increase gambling revenue and promote the recovery of the tourism industry.
This plan is not the first of its kind. As early as 2023, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had advocated for the regulation of the gambling industry to promote economic growth. Thaksin pointed out that the legalization of gambling could significantly reduce the scale of illegal gambling, while bringing considerable fiscal revenue to the country, which could be used to support education, healthcare, and other social welfare services.
Public reaction and challenges: The controversy over gambling legalization. Although the government is hopeful about the legalization of gambling, public opinion on this issue is significantly divided. According to a report by TGM Research, although gambling is widely popular in Thailand, many people are concerned about the possibility of legalization, especially in terms of gambling addiction, social issues, and moral controversies.
Greg Laski, CEO of TGM Research, pointed out that while the underground gambling market is very common in Thailand, the government still needs to overcome multiple challenges at legal, moral, and social levels to achieve gambling legalization. He emphasized that the legalization of the gambling industry must be accompanied by strong regulatory mechanisms to prevent further expansion of social issues.
The Thai government intensifies efforts to combat illegal gambling. While promoting the legalization of gambling, the Thai government has also strengthened its efforts to crack down on illegal gambling activities. On January 5, the police seized a batch of 121 luxury cars related to illegal online gambling gangs and froze several suspects' bank accounts. This action demonstrates the government's determination to clean up the underground gambling market and pave the way for legalization.
In addition, the Thai Cybercrime Suppression Division (TCSC) has also conducted multiple raids on illegal gambling platforms in recent months, arresting several suspects and seizing a large amount of criminal evidence. These actions indicate that in the process of advancing the legalization of gambling, the government has not overlooked the current threat of illegal gambling to social order.
The future of the gambling industry: A dual test of economy and society. As the Thai government accelerates the construction of casinos and the legalization of online gambling, this issue has become a focus of social attention. The legalization of the gambling industry could not only inject new momentum into the Thai economy but also help weaken the influence of underground gambling networks.
However, to gain widespread support for gambling legalization, the government needs to make more comprehensive plans in terms of regulation, tax distribution, and addressing social issues.
In the coming months, the policy direction of the Thai government will determine the specific form and process of gambling legalization. Regardless of the outcome, this process will have a profound impact on Thailand's economic development, social stability, and international competitiveness.
