Green light for casinos

February 10, 2022 Thailand Emerging Markets

The idea first emerged in December, but several civil society groups oppose it. A special committee is called to report on the economic benefits and social repercussions of casinos. Domestic and international developments, such as Macau’s crisis, could help the initiative.

Last December, the Thai government announced that it was setting up a 60-member committee to consider plans to build a number of casinos across the country. Last week, the government gazette made the decision official.

Despite the government’s initiative, casinos remain controversial in Thailand; nevertheless, they are seen by many in the business community as a way to jumpstart the post-pandemic economic recovery and attract foreign visitors, far and wide.

So far, religious and ethical considerations against gambling in the predominantly Buddhist country have stilled government action.

Many civil society groups oppose gambling because of its negative impact on communities near casinos, which usually become dens of corruption, money laundering and human exploitation.

The cities selected to host casinos include Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani in the north-east, and Pattaya and Chonburi in the east.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate, has 90 days to submit a cost-benefit analysis of the impact of casinos on the country’s economy, job market and image.