Thailand’s government is going to start preliminary discussions about legalizing online gambling even as the nation pushes to open its first casino by 2029.
According to the Bangkok Post, Deputy Prime Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong has urged for officials from various involved ministries to work together to push through the legal amendments needed.
Prasert, also the Digital Economy and Society Minister, said that a plan should be completed within the coming few months.
The minister highlighted how properly taxed online gaming platforms could be “good for the economy”, despite admitting that the sector has been linked to criminal behavior, particularly among the youth.
Regarding the age limit on access for online gambling sites, Prasert indicated that the issue has not yet been discussed.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra over the weekend indicated that allowing regulated online gambling could be good for both the economy and society, instead of letting the sector flourish underground.
Thailand’s entertainment complex bill, allowing casinos to operate within large-scale venues, is expected to be passed by the Thai parliament this year. A top official previously expressed that the law should take at least six months to pass.
Currently under discussion are tax regulations, the overall number of licenses, and the proposed location of the casinos. The government is likely to initially grant five casino licenses: two in Bangkok and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
When initially proposed, Thailand’s move to legalize gambling in the country also included online gambling, which is already prevalent in the country despite being illegal and untaxed.
