Thai Government Proposes Casino Bill

The Thai Government is actively working to finalize legislation concerning entertainment complexes.

Commonly referred to as the ‘casino bill,’ a new piece of legislation aims to legalize the operation of casinos within designated entertainment venues across the nation.

The Thai Casino Bill up for Review

As of early August, the Council of State, which serves as Thailand’s legal authority, has made the draft of the Casino Bill available for public commentary. The deadline for public review and commentary is rapidly approaching, being set for August 18. Following this period, the bill, along with the collected public input, will be submitted to the cabinet for evaluation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has indicated that leaders and representatives from coalition parties will convene at the Government House to deliberate on the bill shortly thereafter.

What the New Bill Entails

The proposed legislation comprises 65 sections, stipulating that an entertainment complex must secure a license to operate, which can be valid for a maximum of 30 years. Additionally, operators are required to pay a registration fee of TBH5 billion (approximately US$140 million) and an annual fee of TBH1 billion, with evaluations occurring every five years. After the initial 30-year period, the license may be renewed for an additional decade.

Access to these venues is restricted to individuals over the age of 20, while foreign visitors are permitted entry, albeit Thai citizens must pay an entrance fee of TBH5,000. The bill also proposes the establishment of a policy board, chaired by the Prime Minister, tasked with formulating the regulations governing gaming complexes.

Research indicates that legalizing casinos within large entertainment complexes could potentially boost Thailand’s tourism revenue by approximately TBH12 billion. However, Pariyes Angkurakitti, a spokesperson for the opposition Thai Sang Thai Party, has criticized the initiative, arguing that attempts to regulate the casino industry may be undermined by insufficient law enforcement.