Thailand’s government will have the final say on where its casinos will be as it moves closer to finalizing its proposal to mount entertainment complexes.
Thailand is moving closer to legalizing casinos, with a bill currently under development that will give the government significant control over where these entertainment complexes will be located. According to a recent report in the Bangkok Post, the government will have the final say on the placement of these casino-entertainment venues.
"If the locations are chosen by the government, this will allow investors to compete fairly in the bidding. This will prevent the bid specifications or conditions from being designed or fixed to favour a particular bidder,” Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said.
He added: "Some investors may have their own land and want to push a casino-entertainment complex to be constructed on their land," he added.
This decisive government role underscores the strategic approach Thailand is taking towards integrating casinos into its economic landscape. By retaining the power to determine locations, the government aims to maximize the potential benefits while mitigating potential negative impacts. This centralized control allows for careful consideration of factors such as economic development, tourism promotion, and social implications.
The bill, which is expected to be submitted to the cabinet by the end of the year, represents a significant step towards legalizing casino operations in the country. If passed into law, it is anticipated to provide a substantial boost to both tourism and the broader Thai economy. Proponents argue that legalized casinos will attract high-spending tourists, generate substantial tax revenue, and create new employment opportunities.
The move to legalize casinos reflects a growing trend in Southeast Asia, with several countries in the region exploring or implementing similar policies. This competition for tourism revenue is likely a contributing factor to Thailand's push to establish a regulated casino industry.
While the details of the bill are still being finalized, the emphasis on government control over location decisions signals a cautious yet determined approach to integrating casinos into Thailand's economic fabric. The anticipated submission of the bill to the cabinet marks a crucial milestone in this process, and the outcome will be closely watched by both domestic and international stakeholders.
(What will it take for casinos to be legalized in Thailand? Find out through ACN’s in-depth report here.)
Read related article: Thais “Polarized, Skeptical” About Casino Push: Study
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