Thailand is considering allowing casinos to operate in the country and ending a ten-year gambling ban, which covers all forms except national lotteries and horse racing. It is possible to allow global gambling companies to enter the country within the next two years. On December 2, more than 90% of Thai parliamentarians voted to establish a special committee to investigate the possibility of legalization of casinos that have been banned since 1935. First, the committee will deal with a proposal to open an entertainment center with a casino to attract foreign tourists and…
Thailand is considering allowing casinos to operate in the country and ending a ten-year gambling ban, which covers all forms except national lotteries and horse racing. It is possible to allow global gambling companies to enter the country within the next two years.
On December 2, more than 90% of Thai parliamentarians voted to establish a special committee to investigate the possibility of legalization of casinos that have been banned since 1935. First, the committee will deal with a proposal to open an entertainment center with a casino to attract foreign tourists and bring additional income to the country, possibly in Bangkok or Pattaya.
The proposal aims to create jobs and income for the government, and it is expected to reopen a heated debate between supporters and opponents. Critics have long claimed that casinos will exacerbate the country’s social ills, while supporters see it as a tool to promote economic growth.
Foreigners only
The proposal suggests that, as a first step, legal entry into Thai casinos will be restricted to foreign passport holders, as this is already the case in Cambodia and Vietnam.
And these foreign casinos have been attracting Thai gamblers in the past, which shows that the local demand for gambling is strong, even though Buddhist moral principles teach otherwise. Therefore, the problem is expressed as a problem of moral value and the economic value of the country and its population.
Need for legal framework and supervision
According to the report, the committee must also establish a legal framework to ensure proper regulation and taxation of casino companies.
Regarding the adverse social impact on the local communities in Thailand, it is understood that the first batch of casinos-if approved-will be large entertainment complexes operated by foreign gaming companies such as SJM Holdings, Las Vegas Sands or Galaxy Entertainment. , The provision of luxurious accommodations, cabaret performances, gourmet restaurants and expensive non-gambling products is clearly aimed at wealthy customers-not at the illegal backstreet gambling establishments frequented by Thais.
