Date: October 30, 2023, 12:17pm.
Last updated: October 30, 2023, 12:17pm.
In a recent development, Thailand’s House of Representatives has voted to establish a new committee consisting of 60 members to delve into the issue of casino gaming in the country. This movement signals a potential shift in Thailand’s stance towards integrated resorts and regulated gambling venues.
The newly established committee has a broader focus compared to a previous iteration. It will explore various avenues for boosting Thailand’s economy, including the potential for entertainment and regulated gaming venues, as well as addressing the issue of illegal casinos.
The committee, given 90 days to complete its task, received support from members of the Pheu Thai Party, led by newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, as well as other political factions.
It has been almost a year since the “Ad-hoc Committee on the Consideration of the Opening of Entertainment Complex, the Collection of Revenue and Taxes from the Legal Casino, the Prevention and the Solution of Illegal Gambling, the Widespread of Electric Gambling Machines, and the Online Gambling” submitted a report on the possibility of introducing casinos in Thailand.
The Potential Future of the Thailand Casino Industry
Thailand may not currently have the same level of gaming infrastructure as other countries in the Asia-Pacific region like Macau, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. However, recent developments indicate a growing acceptance of integrated resorts.
In 2021, lawmakers in Thailand expressed a greater openness to the idea of casino gaming. This led to the creation of several committees to investigate various aspects including tax collection, location selection, attracting investment, operations, and impact on local communities.
Chatchawal Kong-udom of the United Thai Nation Party, a long-time advocate for regulated gaming venues, proposed the development of five entertainment districts across Thailand, potentially including casino resorts. Such a move could strategically enhance the country’s tourism industry, as Thailand is already a popular destination for international visitors.
Major Gaming Operators Eyeing the Thai Market
While the approval and establishment of casinos in Thailand is still uncertain, the potential move has attracted the attention of major players in the gaming industry. Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Genting, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts are all reportedly exploring possibilities in Thailand.
These prominent operators see Thailand as a lucrative market and an opportunity to expand their presence in the region.