The Thai government is considering whether to limit gambling areas to no more than 5 percent of the total project space they’re located in.
This requirement was reported by the Bangkok Post, citing the country’s Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat.
Julapun Amornvivat also serves as the president of the House committee tasked with exploring the potential for establishing entertainment complexes with casinos in the country.
The minister mentioned that the ratio of gaming to non-gaming activities, within what Thai lawmakers term as entertainment complexes, would depend on input from governmental entities involved in a project.
Early last month, Thailand’s cabinet approved a National Assembly committee report examining the feasibility of casino resorts in the country. They tasked the Ministry of Finance with a 30-day study period to evaluate the potential implementation of the policy.
According to the committee report, each venue would require a minimum investment of THB100 billion ($2.75 billion). In a media report on Monday, Julapun was quoted as stating that his ministry had requested a two-week extension for the study period.
He reaffirmed that the department would collaborate with 16 other government agencies to deliberate on various aspects of the casino resort issue.
According to the report, the special House committee’s study centered on three key areas.
Initially, it delved into the impacts on economic, political, social, environmental, educational, and cultural policies stemming from the presence of such a venue in Thailand.
Secondly, it examined the business framework of the integrated entertainment venue and the state’s revenue collection. This encompassed an analysis of the interconnected business models of integrated entertainment venues, covering tax collection, fees, and the diverse licenses required for venues with casinos, alongside strategies for enhancing state revenue across different sectors.
According to the study, the implementation of a specific casino tax is recommended, with customized rates for taxes and fees distinct from the prevailing general tax rates. Moreover, the study proposes the establishment of a fund aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of gambling and integrated entertainment venues. Revenue for this fund would be sourced from these venues and gambling enterprises.
Lastly, the report underscores the necessity of conducting a comprehensive study on the legality of such venues. This entails examining the formats, methodologies, core regulations, and criteria governing entertainment venues, establishments, and current gambling laws.
The objective is to facilitate the refinement and modernization of existing legislation or the formulation of new laws that reflect the evolving societal landscape, as highlighted in the House report.
