Thailand seeks extension of four months to conclude findings on inaugural legal casinos

It is said that a 60-member parliamentary committee assigned to look into the potential establishment of Thailand’s first licensed casinos is asking for an extension of four months to finish its report.

As per a thorough report published by Channel NewsAsia (CNA), the committee has requested an additional 120 days to prolong its investigation and deliberations beyond the first 120-day timeframe that is scheduled to conclude later this month.

The question over whether the government or the private sector should lead such projects, along with worries about the restrictions that would be put on local Thai players if one or more casino resorts are approved, are some of the reasons cited for this delay. Move Forward Party MP and committee member Karit Pannaim shared these ideas with CNA.

This 60-member committee is different from the previous council that was established by the previous administration. It was formed after the August appointment of Srettha Thavisin of the Pheu Thai Party as Thailand’s prime minister as part of a new coalition government. A study that was written by the previous committee suggested that integrated resorts with casinos be built in several locations around the nation.

Up to five cities throughout the nation might have legalized casinos within larger entertainment complexes, according to the analysis, with Bangkok and Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) being highlighted as desirable alternatives.

Additionally, it suggested that the amount of floor area given to casino sections should not exceed 5% of the overall floor space of integrated resorts. The remaining space should be used for attractions including five-star hotels, shopping centers, spas, zoos, amusement parks, and indoor and outdoor sports stadiums.

Casinos will admit both foreigners and residents who are 21 years of age or older; the latter must provide proof of having at least THB500,000 (US$15,000) in their accounts for the preceding six months in order to get entrance.

Members of the current committee seem to be in favor of the integrated resort concept, which combines casino gaming with bigger entertainment complexes. These types of complexes are comparable to those found in major gaming hubs like Macau, Singapore, and the Philippines, according to CNA.

This opinion was echoed by Dr. Nualnoi Treerat, director of Chulalongkorn University’s Centre for Gambling Studies, who said that committee members are talking about entertainment complexes like those in Singapore because they are thinking about the wider picture and are worried about possible public opposition.

One potential solution to Thailand’s vast underground casino issue is the development of integrated resorts incorporating gaming. To counter the pervasive illegal online gambling activity, there is still disagreement about whether or not internet gambling should be legalized.

Original story by: IAG