Bangkok: The Prime Minister has clarified that the proposal requiring individuals to have at least 50 million baht in their accounts to enter casinos is still in the listening stage and has not been finalized.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra discussed the Council of State's draft framework, which aims to set a minimum financial requirement for casino entry. The Prime Minister emphasized that the proposal is still under review and that public opinions are being considered before any final decision is made. The Council of State will further deliberate on the matter.
In response to inquiries about the appropriateness of the 50 million baht requirement, the Prime Minister stated that public feedback is crucial due to the novelty of such criteria. He highlighted the importance of experimenting with different approaches to gather insights, as this framework has not been previously implemented.
Regarding potential impacts on investors, the Prime Minister mentioned the absence of direct contacts from investors, noting that the current phase involves collecting data and examining international case studies.
When questioned about the financial contributions from Thais versus foreigners, the Prime Minister remarked on the limited economic impact of casinos, noting that they account for only 10% of the revenue in entertainment complexes, which also include hotels, shopping malls, and family-oriented facilities. He suggested that the media explore these other business areas for their economic potential.
As discussions about the broader entertainment complex framework progress, the Prime Minister acknowledged potential political challenges. He assured that clear communication within the parliament would prevent any division among coalition parties.