Government authorities are exploring Bangkok Port as a potential location for a casino, as it moved to legalize the facilities. But for an analyst, this may be unlikely.
Thailand's government is exploring Bangkok Port as a potential casino site, a move that follows the country's decision to legalize gambling facilities. However, an analyst doubts Bangkok Port will be chosen.
According to Cheng, the Klong Toey site will necessitate a thorough review of urban master planning. He emphasizes that integrated resorts are large-scale developments that require careful consideration of their location within existing urban zones.
Thailand's government earlier proposed Bangkok Port as a site for its potential casinos as it's adjacent to a body of water. It can be recalled that Thailand's government is eyeing to put itself at par with Singapore's Marina Bay Sands and the like, while starting a bid to legalize casinos in the country.
For Cheng, further development is particularly crucial in densely populated areas, where it's essential to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate potential negative impacts such as increased traffic or environmental strain.
“The Klong Toey site will bring the oft-overlooked subject of urban master planning to the fore. Integrated resorts are real estate behemoths that cannot be just parachuted into a location without due zonal planning. This is even more so if the site is situated in densely built-up areas. It is essential to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, prevent overcrowding, and mitigate potential negative effects like increased traffic or environmental strain,” he said.
Thailand on January 13 approved a draft law that legalized casinos within entertainment complexes. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra believes this would stimulate economic growth and tourism in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.
The draft law is now awaiting parliamentary approval.
The bill is set to be submitted to the House for consideration soon, with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat claimed last January 28 that the discussion with the Council of State was “good.”
“They [Council of State’s special committee] gave me some useful opinions, particularly their perspectives on the law,” Amornvivat shared.
Read related article: 7 in 10 Thais Say No to Casino, Online Gambling: Survey
Comments