The special committee overseeing Thailand’s entertainment complex project has announced Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as the first four locations for development.
According to the Bangkok Post, Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the special committee, said these cities were selected for their strategic significance and tourism potential.
The selected cities are:
- Bangkok: Central Thailand’s capital and most populous city, located along the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is a major hub for finance, business, and tourism.
- Chon Buri: On the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, about 80 kilometers from Bangkok, Chon Buri is a popular seaside destination known for its beaches, local markets, and industrial parks.
- Chiang Mai: In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is considered the country’s cultural capital, famous for its historic temples, vibrant markets, and relaxed atmosphere.
- Phuket: Positioned in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, renowned for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and bustling resorts. It is a major tourist hub.
As previously reported, Thailand plans to establish between five and eight entertainment complexes across the country. However, the number of casino licenses has yet to be determined.
Nikom, who is also a member of parliament (MP) for the ruling Pheu Thai Party, revealed that the THB500 billion ($14.8 billion) project is expected to draw at least 50 million visitors each year and generate over 40,000 jobs. The initiative aims to boost Thailand’s economic growth and create significant income for the country.
Several international investors have already expressed interest in the project, Nikom noted. Each entertainment complex will include a five-star hotel, a world-class shopping mall, an amusement park, a sports arena, a convention hall, and a large exhibition center. Less than 10 percent of the total space will be designated for casino operations.
Nikom emphasized that opposition to the project has wrongly suggested that the complexes are casino-centric due to bias against the government.
Citigroup analysts predict that Thailand’s gross gaming revenue could reach $9.1 billion, making it the third-largest gaming market in the world — behind Macau and Las Vegas, but ahead of neighboring Singapore.
Global operators such as Galaxy Entertainment Group, MGM Resorts International, Las Vegas Sands Corp., and Wynn Resorts are eyeing opportunities in Thailand, viewing it as a strategic alternative amid plateauing prospects in Macau.
The Entertainment Complex Bill, which outlines the project framework, was initially scheduled to be presented at a recent cabinet meeting. However, the presentation was postponed as the Ministry of Finance continues to gather public feedback through its website until Friday.
Protest groups have raised concerns, submitting letters of objection to Government House. As a result, the ministry is expected to revise the draft and present it to the cabinet once public concerns have been addressed.
Meanwhile, Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, has voiced concerns about the bill’s current structure. He criticized the draft for lacking sufficient safeguards to prevent youth gambling.
Thanakorn also highlighted ambiguities regarding the number of casino facilities, the size and proportion of gambling spaces, and the frameworks for licensing fees and tax rates. He further warned that the bill’s provision allowing casino licensees to collaborate with “other businesses” may open loopholes for money laundering through brokerage services, commonly known as junket operations.
