The legislation for the advancement of integrated resorts in Thailand could be finalized in the last quarter of 2024 with a government commission to be established in early 2025, the Thai Deputy Tourism Minister Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham predicted.
In a recent interview to the Thai TODAY online news portal, Tangsutthitham expressed confidence that Thailand has the necessary infrastructure and regulatory framework ready to support a legal casino industry.
“The Thai cabinet is currently listening to agencies involved and opinions. Then it will be submitted again to the House of Representatives. If no questions remain it could be passed in the end of the year. Then according to the regulations the next step will in the beginning of next year with a study commission established,” Tangsutthitham says.
The minister also emphasized that Thai authorities believe legalizing casinos will help attract more foreign tourists, particularly from Asia, and generate substantial tax revenue for the government.
The potential legalization of casinos comes amid concerns over the social impacts of gambling, but Tangsutthitham argued that these issues can be properly managed through robust regulations and oversight. “We understand the concerns, but we believe the benefits of having a legal casino industry outweigh the risks,” he stated.
The move towards embracing casino gambling represents a strategic shift for the Thai government, which has traditionally maintained a more conservative stance on the issue.
Proponents argue that legalized casinos could drive tourism and economic development, providing a much-needed boost to the country’s post-pandemic recovery efforts.
While details of the proposed legislation remain unclear, the Thai government’s willingness to consider legalizing casinos signals a significant change in the country’s approach to gambling and tourism.
As the plans progress, Tangsutthitham stated that the public and stakeholders will be closely watching to see how the government addresses the potential social and economic implications of this controversial decision.
