Thailand's Council of State is opposing legalizing casinos in Integrated Resorts, citing breaches of government policy.
Thailand's Council of State is planning to oppose a measure that would legalize casinos within Integrated Resorts, claiming it was breaching government policy, according to a report.
Quoting an unidentified source, The Bangkok Post said on January 12 that the Council of State was concerned with the bill's narrow focus on comprehensive entertainment centers as inconsistent with the government's wider tourism plans.
The Council of State of Thailand is essentially a legal advisory body to the Thai government. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that laws and government actions are in line with the constitution and existing legal frameworks.
Current policy prioritizes integrated resorts, similar to Japan's IR Districts or Singapore's Marina Bay Sands, which combine hotels, shopping, entertainment, and conferences. Gambling is a smaller revenue source within these destinations. Critics argue the Entertainment Complex Bill, with its focus on gambling facilities, strays from this established strategy.
The council stressed the need for the Finance Ministry to clarify the bill's objectives to enable the cabinet to view the measure efficiently.
Instead, the council is pushing to amend the 1935 Gambling Act than enacting a new law. hey also stressed the need for the Finance Ministry to clarify the bill's objectives to facilitate a more effective cabinet review of its suitability.
This adds to the list of hurdles the bill has to face. A TGM Research Study earlier showed that Thai people are "polarized and skeptical" about any proposal to legitimize casino.
A key provision of the Entertainment Complex Bill is the licensing requirement for gambling facilities operating solely within entertainment centers.
The Finance Ministry projects significant economic impact from the bill, including annual increases of up to 475.5 billion baht in tourism revenue, 9,000–15,300 new jobs, and 12–39 billion baht in government revenue.
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