Thailand's Cabinet approved draft legislation to establish legal casinos in integrated entertainment complexes, advancing a plan to attract foreign investment and tourism dollars while imposing rigorous entry controls on domestic gamblers.The Integrated Entertainment Venues Act, greenlit during a March 27 Cabinet review, mandates Thai citizens to pay a 5,000 baht (137 USD)entry fee and present proof of bank deposits exceeding 50 million baht (1.37 million USD) for casino access. Foreign visitors need only meet a minimum age requirement of 20 years.
Operators must comply with anti-money laundering regulations and are barred from linking casino gaming operations to external computer systems or broadcasting gambling activities. The rules aim to address concerns about financial crimes and gambling addiction proliferation.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin projected the complexes could boost annual tourist arrivals by 10%, generating over 230 billion baht (6.3billion USD) in tourism revenue. The government anticipates collecting 30 billion baht(823 million USD) annually from casino taxes and related businesses.
Critics warn the policy risks exacerbating social ills, but the Prime Minister noted over 80,000 participants in public hearings showed 80% approval. Final legislation requires unanimous parliamentary approval, with details still subject to negotiation in both houses.