On March 20, 2025, at the Thai Parliament session, People's Party MP Prit Wacharasindhu raised questions about the Thai government's collaboration with Melco Resorts & Entertainment in hosting soft power activities. This collaboration, led by the Thai Creative and Cultural Promotion Office (THACCA), aims to promote the development of Thailand's creative industries and enhance national skills. However, Prit expressed confusion over the government's choice to partner with a company primarily known for its casino operations and questioned whether this move was related to the casino licensing policy currently under consideration in Thailand.
MP's Question: Why Choose Melco?
During the session, Prit stated that although he supports the government's policy to promote soft power, he is puzzled by the choice of Melco as a partner. He pointed out that there are many companies worldwide focused on the creative industries, yet Melco's main business is casino operations. He questioned whether the government's choice was reasonable and further suggested that this collaboration might be linked to the casino licensing policy that the Thai government is studying.
Prit also mentioned that Melco owns five casinos globally, with a significant 15% market share in Macau. However, due to the Chinese government's restrictions on outbound gambling tourists, Melco's revenue in Macau has declined in recent years. He noted that Melco has explicitly expressed its intention to expand its casino business to Thailand and questioned whether the government provided any special conveniences in policy-making for this purpose.
Deputy Prime Minister's Response: Collaboration Limited to Soft Power Areas
In response to Prit's questions, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chanruangthong, clarified that the government's collaboration with Melco is limited to the arts and soft power areas, unrelated to the issuance of casino licenses. He emphasized that all activity costs are borne by Melco, and the government has not incurred any losses as a result.
Prasert further pointed out that although Melco's main business is casino operations, the company is legally registered in Macau and has no record of illegal activities. Therefore, the government had conducted thorough research before collaborating with Melco to ensure that the partnership would not harm national interests.
He also stated that the government welcomes other companies to participate in similar collaborations, provided that these partnerships align with national interests and do not involve any illegal activities.
The Deeper Issues Behind the Controversy
This parliamentary debate not only revealed issues of transparency in government-private sector collaborations but also sparked public interest in the future direction of Thailand's casino policies. Although the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the collaboration is limited to soft power areas, Melco's background in casino operations still causes unease among many, especially against the backdrop of the Thai government considering the legalization of casinos. Such collaborations inevitably lead to speculation.
Prit's questions reflect the concerns of some MPs and the public about the transparency of government decisions. They hope that while promoting soft power policies, the government can ensure that the choice of partners aligns with the national image and interests.
Summary: Collaboration and Questioning Coexist
The collaboration between the Thai government and Melco aims to promote the development of the creative industries, but the controversy behind it also highlights public concerns about the transparency of government decisions. Although the Deputy Prime Minister emphasizes that the collaboration is limited to soft power areas, Melco's casino business background still causes unease among many. In the future, the government may need to focus more on public communication and transparency when promoting similar collaborations to dispel doubts and ensure that national interests are not compromised.
This incident also reminds us that in a globalized context, government-business collaborations need to consider not only economic benefits but also social impacts and public perception. Only through transparency and fairness can true win-win situations be achieved.
