Thailand analyses legalisation of casinos
Authorities in Thailand are seeking to legalise the development of integrated resorts to attract foreign tourists.
Thailand.- The government of Thailand is studying the possibility of allowing the development of integrated resorts and casinos. The Thai House of Representatives voted on Thursday to establish a 60-member “special committee” to study the proposal with the aim of attracting foreign tourists.
It’s said the committee will include 15 representatives from the Thai cabinet and 45 members from various political parties across the country. The team is expected to complete its research within 90 days.
According to The Bangkok Post, Wissanu Krea-ngam, Deputy Prime Minister, said the committee will study the “ethical issues” related to casinos and what form of the legal framework can ensure the business will be properly regulated and taxed.
For now, betting is totally illegal in Thailand, aside from the state lotteries and horse racings through the Bangkok Turf Club. Nonetheless, illegal gambling is widespread. In October, police arrested 30 people during a raid at a luxury resort that hosted an alleged gambling den in Bang Lamung. In a five-hour raid, officers seized gambling paraphernalia and cash.
Those arrested face multiple charges for gambling and violations of Covid-19 restrictions and will appear in court for trial. In July, police arrested 18 people in raids on two houses in Pathum Thani that were allegedly being used as bases for an online gambling syndicate.
