Thailand is pushing forward with its controversial Entertainment Complex Bill, but the focus is clear: attracting foreign tourists, not local gamblers.
Thailand is pushing forward with its controversial Entertainment Complex Bill, but the focus is clear: attracting foreign tourists, not local gamblers.
The draft bill is currently undergoing its second review, open for public feedback until March 1st via the Council of State's website.
Council of State secretary-general Pakorn Nilpaprunt shared that the government intends to minimize Thai participation due to concerns about gambling addiction.
Pakorn assured the public that all input will be considered before the bill moves to the next stage. Officials are aiming to present the draft to the cabinet within 50 days of the feedback period's close.
"We don't want the public to be bogged down by this gambling fanfare," Pakorn stated.
While the "super board" overseeing these entertainment complexes retains its core powers, the casino approval and licensing processes have been refined. One of the most debated proposals is the requirement for Thai nationals to possess a minimum of 50 million baht in their bank accounts to enter the complexes. Pakorn explained this measure as a way to restrict gambling to those who can afford it, though he acknowledged the detail is subject to change based on public feedback.
He stressed that the primary objective of the entertainment complexes is to create man-made tourism attractions, with gambling as a secondary component. "I think if we impose strict measures, we might be able to prevent Thais from entering [the complexes] and becoming gambling addicts."
Despite the ongoing public debate, the government holds the ultimate decision-making power.
A special committee, headed by former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, was established to review the bill, acknowledging its significant political and social implications.
This committee has already implemented several amendments, including defining casino areas within the complexes and mandating public hearings to assess potential social and environmental impacts. The bill also incorporates measures to combat issues like prostitution and prioritize local employment.
The final draft is anticipated to reach the cabinet for approval in March, paving the way for a potential new era of tourism in Thailand, albeit one with strict entry regulations for its own citizens.
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