Bangkok: The Prime Minister has announced that the Cabinet has approved the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act, ensuring that casinos will constitute no more than 10% of the entertainment complexes. This initiative is expected to enhance tourism and increase national income. For Thai citizens wishing to gamble, a deposit of 50 million baht will be required, though this condition will be further debated in parliament. The Prime Minister emphasized the existence of laws to regulate and prevent gambling addiction.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra stated after the Cabinet meeting that the Cabinet has endorsed the proposal from the Office of the Council of State. The draft bill aims to develop new tourism avenues beyond seasonal or existing tourism models. The draft has undergone a public opinion process, gathering over 80,000 responses, with 80% in favor. It is now ready for parliamentary consideration.
The Prime Minister clarified that entertainment complexes will not solely consist of casinos. Instead, casinos will make up less than 10% of the complexes. The remaining 90% will feature large concert venues for up to 50,000 attendees, indoor stadiums, water parks, hotels, and restaurants. These facilities are projected to generate between 119,000 and 238,000 million baht in revenue. The influx of tourists is anticipated to rise by 5-10% annually, creating new jobs and careers. The government plans to levy taxes on casinos and other businesses to fund national development, alongside enforcing strict measures to combat gambling addiction.
The Prime Minister noted that further details would be provided, highlighting the importance of large concert venues. Current facilities in Thailand are insufficient for major events, leading to missed opportunities. The proposed entertainment complexes aim to address this gap, facilitating year-round tourism and diverse events.
Regarding parliamentary deliberations, including potential opposition from senators or protest groups, the Prime Minister expressed a commitment to ongoing dialogue. While acknowledging challenges, he pledged to engage with all viewpoints and improve communication.
When questioned about discussions with coalition party leaders to preempt parliamentary issues, the Prime Minister confirmed prior consultations. He assured that the proposal had already been approved by the Cabinet and would not cause discord among coalition parties. The parliamentary process will continue, with adjustments made as needed to maximize national benefits.
The Prime Minister highlighted economic projections, noting that a 5-10% increase in tourist numbers could yield an additional 12,000 to 39,000 million baht annually. Taxes from other businesses are expected to contribute 8,000 to 35,000 million baht, with casino taxes generating at least 3,264 million baht per year. He urged stakeholders to consider the broader economic opportunities rather than fixating on isolated issues.
As for the legislative timeline, the Prime Minister indicated that a specific schedule had not been established and would require further review. The requirement for Thai citizens to maintain a 50 million baht deposit for casino gambling will also be revisited in parliament.