Thailand moves forward with casino legalisation plan
Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law to establish casinos and entertainment complexes as part of efforts to attract international visitors, create jobs, and increase state revenue.
The proposed law includes restrictions for Thai nationals, requiring an entry fee of 5,000 baht ($147) and proof of at least 50 million baht ($1.5 million) in bank deposits over six consecutive months.
However, the government has indicated that this requirement may be reconsidered, as financial data shows that only about 10,000 bank accounts in the country would meet the threshold.
The draft law will now be sent to parliament for further discussion, followed by approval from the Senate and the king. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stated that details are not yet final, as the final decision rests with parliament.
If approved, the first casino resort could open by 2029 or 2030. Several international gaming companies, including MGM China and Las Vegas Sands, have already shown interest in entering the Thai market.
The cabinet’s approval comes just a day after Shinawatra survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, overcoming accusations from opposition parties that she was influenced by her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
