Thailand sizes up odds of casinos boosting tourism

Thailand’s lower house of parliament is developing a keen interest in casinos, as the kingdom continues to bank on tourism as a main source of economic growth.

The debate over legalizing casino gambling in Thailand has been going on for years, but it gathered momentum earlier this month as the lower house voted 310-9 to set up a committee to study the pros and cons of casinos. The move was broadly supported by both the government and opposition parties.

The committee, comprising 60 members of parliament, has formed five subcommittees to study various aspects of the required legislation, including taxation; casino operating conditions and locations; investment efficiency; negative impacts of casinos and how to mitigate them; and other details. The subcommittees have 90 days to complete their work.

“It is time for Thailand to have legal gambling venues to encourage foreigners to play,” said Mongkolkit Sksintharanon, leader of the opposition Thai Sriwilai Party, in a house debate. “That will be a way to save the country,” he claimed.

Source: https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Thailand-sizes-up-odds-of-casinos-boosting-tourism