Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced that the Ministry of Finance has begun discussions with the National Legislative Assembly on a draft proposal involving the establishment of an integrated entertainment resort, including a casino.
Julapun expects the bill to be submitted to the House of Representatives for consideration during this session of Parliament. He held a meeting with the special committee of the National Legislative Assembly on January 23, where he detailed the draft. "They provided valuable feedback, especially in terms of legal perspectives," Julapun stated.
He explained that the proposed entertainment resort would combine various business models, including casinos, to attract investment, boost tourism, increase tourist spending in Thailand, create jobs, and help regulate illegal gambling activities.
Julapun also suggested that representatives from the executive branch should participate in future discussions with the National Legislative Assembly to ensure that the principles and vision of the bill are implemented. Two deputy secretaries of the Prime Minister, Suksit Srichomkwan and Chattarin Chanhom, have been designated to attend each meeting to ensure the resort project's objectives remain aligned.
He clarified that some media and public comparisons of the proposed entertainment resorts to traditional gambling venues or casinos in neighboring countries are inaccurate. In fact, Thailand's integrated entertainment resort model is inspired by the models of Singapore and the United States, aiming to attract investment and serve as a catalyst for national economic growth.
Discussing Thailand's economic history, Julapun noted that 30 years ago, the growth rate averaged 10%; 20 years ago, it dropped to 5%; and over the past decade, it has been only 2%.
The government's goal is to increase the growth rate to between 2.7% and 2.8% and achieve sustainable growth of 5%. The entertainment resorts are expected to play a crucial role in this economic strategy, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
Addressing opposition revealed in a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Julapun mentioned that public hearings had been held, showing 80% public support for the project. He encouraged the media to distinguish between the proposed integrated entertainment resorts and online gambling.
Currently, gambling is illegal in Thailand, with only a few activities such as horse racing and lotteries being legal. Nevertheless, the Thai government recognizes the significant economic benefits that could arise from legalizing the gambling industry and hopes to attract more international tourists.
Based on Singapore's successful experience, the Thai Cabinet passed the draft business law for this integrated entertainment facility on January 13, 2025, which includes setting up casinos, theme parks, and convention centers, with age thresholds and entry fees for entering casinos.
However, this draft still needs to be submitted to Parliament for approval.
According to a telephone survey conducted by NIDA from January 20 to 21, 2025, involving 1310 citizens, 59.19% of respondents opposed setting up casinos and integrated entertainment facilities, while only 28.93% supported it. Additionally, 8.63% supported setting up integrated entertainment facilities but opposed casinos, and 1.60% supported only the establishment of casinos.
The survey also asked whether people supported the government's push to legalize online gambling, with 58.32% strongly opposing and only 19.92% strongly supporting. When asked if they agreed to decide through a public referendum whether to establish casinos or legalize online gambling, 51.07% of the people opposed, while 37.86% agreed.
Before the government's draft was passed, several scholars from Chulalongkorn University jointly issued a statement opposing the establishment of casinos in Thailand. They pointed out that the gambling industry does not produce substantial economic products, thus it is not considered an effective economic activity, and questioned the government's claim that "gambling can stimulate economic development."
Although the Thai government is pushing this policy, there is still strong public opposition, especially concerning the social and moral issues that the gambling industry might bring. Whether this draft will pass smoothly remains uncertain, and further discussions and adjustments may be needed in the future.
