While huge casino complexes are booming in neighboring countries like Myanmar and Laos, gambling is still banned in Thailand. That could soon change.
Bangkok – The Thai government is pushing ahead with plans to legalize gambling in the Southeast Asian country. The country wants to establish itself as a leading tourism hotspot in the region and generate additional state revenue. The ruling party Pheu Thai plans to invest the revenue in education and public health, among other things, according to a statement published on Facebook at the weekend. This is not just about gambling, but about the entire “fun economy,” which also includes sporting events and the conference and exhibition industry.
Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai
According to government estimates, the initiative could bring in around 327 million euros in additional tax revenue in the first year. According to the Bangkok Post newspaper, the locations for the new entertainment industry are the capital Bangkok, the largest island of Phuket, and Chiang Mai in the north.
According to the bill, a policy committee will first be set up under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which will be responsible for setting the rules for the casinos.
Gambling at the Golden Triangle
Most types of gambling are currently banned in Thailand. In neighboring countries such as Laos and Myanmar, however, huge casino complexes are springing up everywhere – including around the infamous Golden Triangle in the border region of the three countries. The industry is booming, particularly thanks to wealthy guests from China.
Back in March, a majority of the 500 members of the House of Representatives supported a report that recommended the establishment of legal casinos in large entertainment complexes. However, no timetable was announced.
Thailand has been taking steps for some time to attract more visitors through increasingly liberal legislation. Cannabis was legalized two years ago, for example. Only in June did parliament clear the way for the legalization of same-sex marriage. dpa
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