Thai House approves proposal for further study of possible casino legalisation

The House of Representatives has voted to advance the exploration of casinos at entertainment complexes.

Thailand.- The House of Representatives has approved a proposal to further study the possibility of permitting casinos at entertainment complexes. Some 253 of the 257 lawmakers present voted in favour of advancing the study to the final phase.

The previous study submitted to the Thai parliament suggests that Thailand’s tourism revenues could increase by US$12bn if casinos are legalised. It is estimated that the average tourist spend could increase by 52 per cent to THB65,050 (US$1,790) per trip, while the country’s gross domestic product could grow by 1.16 percentage points.

Prime minister Srettha Thavisin is reportedly in favour of a move to legalise casinos to attract foreign direct investment. MGM Resorts International and Galaxy Entertainment Group have already shown interest in the possibility of casino resorts in Thailand.

Julapun Amornvivat, deputy finance minister and chairman of a special committee tasked with studying the matter, has suggested that casinos would be allowed at complexes that would also include a five-star hotel, an exhibition centre and restaurants.

“We have to admit that there is illegal gambling in the country, we are trying to get rid of (it) but it cannot be wiped out, so we have to rethink and see that it is time for this,” said Julapun Amornvivat told reporters.