Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill is progressing through legislative channels. It will go back to the cabinet in March before moving to parliament.
The draft bill, approved by Thailand's cabinet in January, outlines a plan for casino resorts in up to five locations nationwide.
These Singapore-style "entertainment complexes"—initially up to five—would feature hotels, entertainment venues, meeting spaces, theme parks, and casinos.
The Council of State, a government advisory body, has completed its review of the bill and supports capping casino space at 10% of total floor area.
However, key details—such as the number of resorts and their locations—remain uncertain, according to Atavit Suwanpakdee, chairman of an advisory board to Thailand’s Industry Minister, as reported by the Bangkok Post.
Online gambling is also under consideration. Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong told the Post that legalizing online gambling would help regulate underground activities, ensuring proper taxation.
A two-week public consultation on igaming will conclude on 1 March.
Activists concerned about social costs
Opponents of the bill caution that casino gambling could lead to significant social harms.
Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, criticized the bill for its lack of clarity.
“Revising a bill without clear guidelines is like signing a blank cheque,” he said. “I question whether the council has made the law more stringent or more lenient.”
Chittawan Chanagul, an economics lecturer at Bangkok’s Kasetsart University, warned that casinos in developing nations often contribute to severe corruption.
She cited the Philippines as an example, where offshore gaming operations (POGOs) were linked to crimes such as money laundering, murder, and kidnapping. In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. banned the industry last year and ordered all operators to shut down.
Supporters emphasise the financials
Proponents emphasize the potential economic benefits of legalized casino gambling.
A Citigroup report, cited by the Singapore Business Times, estimates that a regulated Thai gaming industry could generate up to $9.1 billion (310 billion Thai baht/£7.2 billion/€8.7 billion) in annual revenue. This would position Thailand as the world's third-largest gaming market, trailing only Macau and Las Vegas.
The bill is set to return to the Thailand cabinet for further review by 4 March before advancing to parliament for additional discussions.
