Thailand's new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, took office on Friday (6 September). Her government is expected to introduce laws allowing the development of up to five casino resorts.
During a recent public-comment period, 80% of attendees supported a proposal from former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed in August after appointing an ex-convict to his cabinet.
The new prime minister, Shinawatra, is expected to push forward with plans for “entertainment complexes” similar to those in Singapore, which would include casinos.
The new prime minister, Shinawatra, is expected to push forward with plans for “entertainment complexes” similar to those in Singapore, which would include casinos.
These Thai casinos would focus more on non-gaming attractions like theme parks, restaurants, retail spaces, concert venues, meeting areas, and hotels, with gaming areas taking up just 3%-10% of the total space.
Currently, gambling is illegal in Thailand, except for horse racing and a government-approved lottery. However, black-market gambling is widespread in the country.
Former PM Thaksin tips interest in casino resorts
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who officially took office on September 6, hasn't explicitly supported casino resorts yet. However, her father, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, has been a proponent of legal casinos, which industry experts see as a positive sign.
On August 22, Thaksin supported the idea of new casino resorts to boost Thailand's economy and tourism, a vision shared by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. While casinos are expected to draw international visitors, including high spenders from China, studies suggest that around 90% of patrons might be Thai.
Thaksin, who served as Thailand's Prime Minister from 2001 to 2006, was ousted by a military coup and faced charges of tax evasion and corruption, leading him to live in exile for 15 years. He recently returned to Thailand, was briefly jailed, then released and pardoned, and saw his youngest daughter become Prime Minister last week.
Thaksin is said to be the real power broker of the family. On the website of the Council on Foreign Relations, bloggers Joshua Kurlantzick and Pavin Chachavalongpun said the “politically inexperienced” Paethongtarn will “either be a puppet of her father or the conservative elites.”
Focusing on a stronger economy
Paetongtarn Shinawatra is focused on revitalizing Thailand’s struggling economy, which is still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to a 2023 government study, entertainment complexes could increase tourism revenue by 406.6 billion baht (£9 billion/€10.87 billion/$12 billion) in their first year. The plan includes 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).
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has stated that public feedback will shape the next version of the casino bill. After revisions, the bill will be reviewed by the cabinet, then the Council of State, and finally return to the House of Representatives for approval.
