The advisor to the Prime Minister of Thailand, Nau, posted on social media, pointing out that the "entertainment complex" is not so-called "casino liberalization," but a comprehensive entertainment venue that includes various entertainment facilities, aimed at enhancing Thailand's global competitiveness in tourism and attracting more capital inflow.
He emphasized that the public need not worry that these projects will become hotbeds for money laundering, grey industries, or black market activities. Currently, the Thai government's "entertainment complex" plan includes large hotels, exhibition centers, shopping malls, amusement parks, etc., with casinos only accounting for about 10% of the overall plan.
As for the specific construction locations, the government is initially considering major tourist cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya, but further assessments are still needed.
Nau also mentioned that the enterprises participating in these projects must be large companies with global influence and extensive experience, requiring a registered capital of at least 1 billion Thai Baht, and each project's investment must not be less than 100 billion Thai Baht. Additionally, participants must have a clear market strategy to promote business development and attract tourists.
He said that the entertainment complex will attract tourists through globally renowned entertainment events, such as concerts by world-class stars. Thai local consumers will be restricted by law and entry fees, and minors are also prohibited from entering casinos. Clearly, the core goal of the "entertainment complex" is to attract global tourists, especially the high-net-worth individuals.
Nau emphasized that Thailand has rich natural landscapes, historical relics, and cultural resources, and continuing to develop these resources remains crucial.
The entertainment complex will further tap into the potential of these resources, becoming an important means to attract new tourists and capital. Some people have raised concerns that neighboring countries already have casinos, but their economies have not yet become strong. In response, Nau stated that the government has not claimed that the entertainment complex will make Thailand a powerful nation overnight.
In fact, many neighboring countries have already established casino systems, and what the Thai government is currently discussing is merely the establishment of an "entertainment complex," which is a comprehensive entertainment venue with a clear management system that can be effectively regulated. Taking Singapore as a reference, Thailand is moving in a similar direction.
Regarding concerns that the "entertainment complex" might become a hotbed for gangs or a center for money laundering, Nau stated that this is not a challenge unique to Thailand. Global enterprises must assure the government before entering that their investments will not involve grey or black industries. Additionally, multinational companies are also subject to regulatory constraints in their home countries, and any violations will face legal consequences. Transparency and preventing criminal infiltration will be a common concern for both the Thai government and businesses.
Nau pointed out that if large enterprises participate, they will demand a healthier and more transparent investment environment, which will greatly reduce the likelihood of money laundering and black market activities. From another perspective, if enterprises enter and find the market filled with illegal activities and underworld forces, who would still want to invest?
Currently, Thailand's economy is facing a "long-term slump," and it is particularly crucial to restore economic growth and promote sustainable development.
The government is committed to advancing policies in multiple areas, including manufacturing, agriculture, industry, and exports, which will take time to take effect. Therefore, the "entertainment complex" as a policy measure will be able to quickly attract new capital inflow and stimulate economic growth.
If the project is successfully launched and officially operates by 2029, then within four years, each project could attract an investment of 100 billion Thai Baht, and the cumulative investment of multiple projects could reach several hundred billion Thai Baht, undoubtedly bringing long-term economic benefits.
Nau also stated that the government is already focusing on the social issues that the "entertainment complex" might bring. If the relevant legal bills are passed, the Comprehensive Entertainment Venue Policy Committee will formulate operational policies to prevent and resolve potential problems.
The opinions of the public and all sectors of society will be submitted to the committee for discussion.
Finally, he emphasized that although gambling has always existed in Thai society, the "entertainment complex" will operate in a legal manner, bringing national revenue. At the same time, the gambling habits of the Thai people will not be exacerbated by this policy, as other forms of gambling already exist in Thai society without the "entertainment complex."
Nau believes that although this policy has been debated in Thai society for many years, with the progress of society and the continuous improvement of laws, proposals that were previously rejected may eventually be passed. For example, the "Marriage Equality Act," which had been rejected multiple times, has now been passed and is about to take effect.
The Entertainment Complex Act, as a major legal measure, will be brought to the parliament for discussion, seeking consensus from all parties.
