Las Vegas Sands Corp. President and COO Patrick Dumont recently pointed out that if Thailand wants to become a global powerhouse in entertainment complexes, the key lies in "clear regulation" and "decisive strategy". He stated that Thailand has great tourism potential and investment appeal, but without clear gambling regulations and policy guidance, it will be difficult to attract real international capital.
Dumont, during the groundbreaking ceremony of the $8 billion expansion project at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, told Thai media "The Nation" that Thailand's geographical location, culture, and service industry foundation make it an ideal investment ground. However, if the government hesitates and the laws are unclear, global gambling enterprises will not be able to confidently set up operations.
He bluntly stated: "Building an entertainment complex without casinos has almost no successful precedent globally. It's like a five-star hotel without Wi-Fi—it looks luxurious, but cannot meet market competition needs."
Dumont emphasized that gambling revenue is the foundation that supports high-end tourism facilities, convention centers (MICE), and integrated entertainment projects. He believes that if Thailand can clarify its policy direction, it could not only attract investment but also potentially reshape the tourism landscape of Southeast Asia.
Currently, the Thai government has temporarily paused the deliberation process of the "Entertainment Complex Act", causing the legalization of gambling to be stalled once again. Additionally, the sharp decline in Chinese tourists has further exacerbated the challenges faced by Thailand's tourism industry.
"The Nation" commented that the expansion of Marina Bay Sands symbolizes "boldness and foresight", and if Thailand does not act quickly, it may miss the golden window of development. This is no longer just about whether casinos should be legalized, but whether Thailand is willing to face the future and strategically compete with regional rivals.
