Thai political group calls for legalization of both land-based and online casinos

May 20, 2022 Thailand Crime & Legal Industry Updates

A group of minor political parties has submitted a draft amendment to Thailand’s Gambling Act calling for the legalization of both land-based and online casino gaming and proposing development of four casinos nationwide.

The group is led by Chutchawan Kong-u-dom, leader of the Thai Local Power Party, with the Bangkok Post reporting that the group includes all members of Chutchawan’s party plus 20 members of other parties.

Citing much-needed tax revenue as the reason for their push, the group wants a casino built in each of Thailand’s four regions in areas most heavily frequented by tourists.

Tax would also be collected from online casino operators while allowing punishment to be handed out to those running illegal operations.

“The draft amendment to the Gambling Act to legalise casinos and underground lotteries is meant to generate income while the country faces massive national debt,” Chutchawan said.