The legislation would allow 30-year casino licences to be granted at integrated resorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> within 50 days. Once reviewed, the bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The draft bill to legalise casinos in Thailand was approved on January 13. It proposes\u00a030-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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n