Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that under the proposed casino legalization bill, the government will have the final say in determining the locations for entertainment complexes featuring casinos. This measure is intended to ensure fairness among investors competing for the project.
According to the Bangkok Post, Julapun explained that if the government selects the locations, it will ensure a level playing field for all investors, preventing the bidding conditions from being manipulated to favor specific parties. He also noted that some investors might own land and seek to push for a casino-entertainment complex to be built on their property.
The government will also determine the number of casino complexes to be built across the country. Once this number is decided, the responsible committee will present the final figure to the cabinet for approval, as outlined in the current version of the bill.
IR construction expected to take at least three years
Julapun also highlighted that the project is expected to transform the tourism landscape, driving increased tourist spending. The investment required for each complex is estimated at a minimum of THB100 billion ($2.92 billion), with construction expected to take three to four years. The project is projected to boost Thailand’s GDP by 0.2 percent annually, and once operational, it is expected to increase GDP growth by 0.7 percent.
A study by the Fiscal Policy Office suggests that entertainment complexes could attract an additional 5–20 percent of foreign tourists, increasing the average spending per visitor from THB40,000 ($1,169) to THB60,000 ($1,754).
The government is moving forward with the bill to legally establish casinos within entertainment complexes. A public hearing on the bill took place in August, and the final proposal, along with necessary feedback, is expected to reach the cabinet by year’s end. According to the latest update, the Thai government is confident that the draft bill will pass through both houses of parliament and become law by 2025, potentially as early as mid-year.
Licensing and regulation
Under the bill’s 65 sections, operators must obtain a license valid for up to 30 years, with an initial registration fee of THB5 billion ($146 million) and an annual payment of THB1 billion ($29 million). Each complex will undergo a five-year assessment, and after 30 years, the license can be renewed for another 10 years.
Individuals under 20 years old will be prohibited from entering. While foreign visitors can access the venues, Thai nationals will be required to pay an entrance fee of THB5,000 ($146).
The bill also establishes a policy board, chaired by the prime minister, which will be responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the gaming complexes. Five potential sites have been identified: two in Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
As reported by AGB, Macau-based gaming operator Galaxy Entertainment has confirmed its interest in pursuing an integrated resort (IR) project exclusively in Bangkok. The other gaming operators who have already expressed interest in Thailand have not yet revealed any site preferences.
Julapun noted that the ministry will continue discussions with coalition partners to secure their support for the project, which is part of the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy agenda. Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has stressed the importance of coalition discussions on the casino scheme before its submission to the cabinet.
