Thailand's cabinet has approved legislation allowing the development of up to five entertainment complexes featuring casinos. This move marks a significant step toward expanding the country's gaming industry. Additionally, the possibility of legalizing online gaming is being considered as a potential next phase in this initiative.

On January 13, Thailand's cabinet gave preliminary approval to a bill legalizing entertainment complexes that include casinos. The proposal now advances to parliament for consideration.
Prommin Lertsuridej, secretary-general to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, stated that the legislation could be enacted within seven to nine months. The initiative aims to boost Thailand's economy, which is still recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
If approved, lawmakers intend to expedite the development of the entertainment complexes, with openings projected as early as 2029. This timeline positions Thailand ahead of Japan, where the first casino resort, MGM Osaka, is scheduled to debut in 2030.
Tourism booster
A 2023 government study revealed that entertainment complexes could generate 406.6 billion baht (£9 billion/€10.87 billion/$12 billion) in tourism revenue within their first year, while also creating up to 20,000 new jobs.
Plans include licensing five casinos: two in Bangkok, one in Chiang Mai, one in Phuket, and one in the Eastern Economic Corridor (covering Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong provinces).
According to the Bangkok Post, Prommin stated that seven global operators have already shown interest in obtaining a Thai casino license. Macau-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment has confirmed its interest and plans to open a Bangkok office.
Other potential contenders include Macau operators MGM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group, as well as Malaysia’s Genting Berhad, which are all exploring the Thai market.
The opposing view
Thailand’s Council of State has expressed opposition to the Entertainment Complex bill, citing concerns that it prioritizes gaming over broader tourism initiatives.
The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF) criticized the bill, calling it a diluted version of the "Singapore model," which served as its initial inspiration. Singapore’s integrated resorts are renowned for their luxury offerings, including five-star hotels, theme parks, concert venues, restaurants, and retail spaces.
The SGF also raised concerns about the bill’s lack of specifics regarding non-gaming attractions, provisions for addressing problem gambling, and details on taxation policies.
Online gaming on the table
According to Reuters, influential figures like Thaksin Shinawatra are advocating for the inclusion of online gaming to enhance the proposed Entertainment Complex bill.
Thaksin, the former prime minister and father of the current PM, noted that iGaming is already prevalent in Thailand. He estimated that “2 million to 4 million Thai users lose approximately 500 billion baht annually.” Thaksin added, “If we implement a 20% tax, it could generate over 100 billion baht in revenue each year.”