The government is advancing a bill to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes across the country, according to sources within the administration. The Finance Ministry has reportedly completed the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act, which outlines the legal framework for these complexes. The draft will soon undergo a public hearing, a constitutional requirement under Section 77 to ensure public participation in the legislative process.
Following the public consultation, the bill—along with the collected feedback—will be presented to the cabinet for further consideration. This move aligns with the government’s previously expressed support for entertainment complexes, which include casinos, as a means to stimulate economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai noted that leaders and representatives of the coalition parties are scheduled to meet at Government House today to discuss various issues, including the entertainment complex bill. The proposed legislation aims to legalize casinos and establish a regulated gambling industry within these complexes.
The bill argues that the establishment of legal entertainment complexes, including casinos, could significantly enhance the country’s tourism industry, which already generates substantial revenue. By promoting and regulating these integrated entertainment hubs, the government believes it can attract domestic investment, benefiting the economy and supporting sustainable tourism.
Under the bill’s 65 sections, operators of entertainment complexes would be required to obtain a license valid for up to 30 years. The initial registration fee is set at 5 billion baht, with an annual fee of 1 billion baht. Additionally, the complex will undergo an assessment every five years, and after the initial 30-year period, the license can be renewed for another 10 years.
The legislation also includes strict age restrictions, prohibiting individuals under 20 years old from entering the venues. While these complexes would be open to all foreign visitors, Thai citizens would be required to pay an entrance fee of 5,000 baht. A policy board, chaired by the prime minister, would be established to oversee and set regulations for the gaming complexes.
Deputy Prime Minister Chai previously emphasized the significant economic impact such projects could have, noting that the global business value of casino-based entertainment complexes was approximately $1.5 trillion (53 trillion baht) in 2022, with projections suggesting an increase to $2.2 trillion by 2028. He highlighted that entertainment complexes generate substantial income for several countries each year, with Macau and Las Vegas being the most prominent examples, generating $32 billion and $30 billion, respectively. Singapore also contributes $12 billion annually to the global market.
Chai further pointed out that Japan is planning three similar projects, suggesting that Thailand must act swiftly to secure its share of this lucrative industry. The House committee’s report on the entertainment complex scheme estimates that the project could generate at least 12 billion baht in taxes for Thailand in its first year of operation.
The House committee’s study reportedly examined three key areas: the economic, social, educational, and cultural implications of hosting such venues; the business structure and revenue collection methods; and the legality and criteria for gambling regulations. Five locations have been identified as potential sites for these entertainment complexes: two in Bangkok and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
However, the proposal has faced criticism from some quarters. Pariyes Angkurakitti, a spokesperson for the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, expressed concerns that lax law enforcement could undermine efforts to regulate the casino industry effectively.
