Thailand’s government is intensifying efforts to pass legislation on entertainment complexes featuring casinos, with officials stating during a media briefing on Wednesday that the bill should be finalized within the current administration’s term.
The current government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra since August 2024, will remain in office until June 2027.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Suksit Srichomkwan led the press briefing on June 4th, one day before Amornvivat was scheduled to appear before a Senate Extraordinary Committee reviewing the Entertainment Complex legislation.
Thai lawmakers are set to begin deliberating the draft law in July, as the government advances plans to develop the gambling sector and boost tourism.
According to multiple media reports, the Pheu Thai party-led administration hopes to attract at least THB100 billion ($3 billion) in new investment and expects foreign tourist arrivals to increase by up to ten percent.
Government assessments project the entertainment complexes will generate between THB12.04 billion ($353 million) and THB39.25 billion ($1.15 billion) in annual state revenue, including taxes from five-star hotels and theme parks.
“The government will create a comprehensive law and prevent negative impact,” Amornvivat said during the press conference. “The country needs change; it needs a new engine of growth for the economy.”
The draft law, approved by the cabinet earlier this year, includes strict restrictions for Thai citizens, requiring a THB5,000 ($147) entry fee and proof of at least THB50 million ($1.5 million) in bank deposits—effectively excluding most of the population. The legislation must gain lower house approval and pass the Senate before receiving royal endorsement.
Thai officials outlined comprehensive financial monitoring systems designed to prevent money laundering, with Srichomkwan confirming that visitor transactions will be recorded and tracked. The government plans to enforce responsible gaming rules, including advertising bans and entry denial for individuals deemed financial risks.
Beyond gambling facilities, the “Thailand Entertainment Complex” project encompasses exhibition centres, large-scale concert venues, museums, water parks, and theme parks modelled after international destinations like Disneyland and Universal Studios. Additional amenities will feature high-end restaurants, One Tambon One Product (OTOP) centres, and business incubation facilities.
Srichomkwan highlighted infrastructure benefits, explaining that existing venues like Rajamangala and Supachalasai stadiums lack proper facilities for world-class concerts and require THB6 million ($176,000) in re-turfing costs after each major event.
Tourist spending per trip is expected to increase from the current THB6,000-7,000 ($176-$205) average to approximately THB22,000 ($645), while Thailand’s GDP could grow by at least 0.8 percent annually.
Gambling is currently largely prohibited in Thailand, with exceptions for the national lottery, state-controlled horse racing, and limited sports betting. However, illegal gambling operations have persisted for years despite these prohibitions.
