Government gives Council of State 50 days to review draft Thai casino legislation

The legislation would allow 30-year casino licences to be granted at integrated resorts.
Thailand.- Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State, has said that the government of Thailand has instructed the council to complete its review of the draft bill to legalise casinos within 50 days. Once reviewed, the bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
According to the Bangkok Post, Nilprapunt stressed that the draft legislation would not require a referendum as parliament has already approved it, but he added that the government could consider public opinion if it deems that the bill could impact citizens.
The draft bill to legalise casinos in Thailand was approved on January 13. It proposes 30-year casino licences with the option for a 10-year renewal. Complexes would be located in designated areas and operated by companies registered in Thailand with a minimum paid-up capital of THB10bn (US$283m). Casino entry fees for Thai nationals have been set at THB5,000 (US$144). A policy panel led by the prime minister and a regulatory agency would oversee the industry.
Yesterday (January 20), Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, said that casino licences should only be awarded through a bidding process. Bidders would need to show what they could provide in terms of tourism advantages and tax revenue.
Shinawatra dismissed suggestions that coalition parties were against the proposal and downplayed calls for a referendum, expressing confidence that casino legislation would be enacted this year. A committee would then establish regulations before a launch next year.
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