Thailand’s draft bill for entertainment complexes is set to progress but with potential revisions to details such as location and operational requirements.
While the overall framework of the bill is expected to move forward, the new government may revise certain details, such as the location of the complexes or operational requirements, local media The Nation reported, citing a source from the Thai Finance Ministry.
Thailand’s draft bill for entertainment complexes is anticipated to be introduced next year, following revisions based on feedback from public hearings held between August 2nd and 18th.
The draft specifies that each entertainment complex will include at least four entertainment businesses, plus a casino. These complexes must be located in designated areas and operated by companies registered in Thailand, with a minimum paid-up capital of THB10 billion ($304 million).
Overall, Thailand’s gaming industry is projected to attract over THB 100 billion ($3.04 billion) in investments.
The proposal also mandates that patrons must be at least 20 years old, and Thai nationals will be required to obtain a license to verify eligibility, with an initial fee of THB5,000 ($152) and an annual renewal fee of THB1,000 ($30). Additionally, the source emphasized the need for clear regulations to prevent gambling addiction at the casinos.
Public hearings suggest that many Thais support the plan, although critics emphasize potential social impacts. Among the key policies of the new administration, the establishment of entertainment complexes has drawn the most criticism due to concerns about significant social issues.
Despite this backlash, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat noted that public hearings revealed a generally positive response toward the draft bill. He stated that the draft is ready for improvement based on public feedback before being submitted to the Cabinet, Council of State, and House of Representatives for review.
The minister anticipates that the bill will be introduced next year, as the approval process will take time. Further adjustments will be made in response to comments from both the House of Representatives and the Senate to minimize potential negative impacts on Thai citizens.
Regarding investment and operations, the minister acknowledged uncertainty about how many entertainment complexes will receive funding or who will manage them. Neither the House committee nor the Finance Ministry has the authority to determine which provinces or entities are suited to establish such complexes, and he stressed that the process should be conducted with full transparency.
Mixed reactions from industry leaders
Thaniwan Kulmongkol, president of the Thai Restaurant Association, expressed concerns over the draft bill, arguing that entertainment complexes could harm the country by exacerbating social inequality and promoting gambling, which may negatively impact families and the economy.
She believes the bill would disproportionately benefit a small group of operators while increasing gambling addiction, debt, and crime among the wider population. Thaniwan also raised concerns about Thailand’s weak law enforcement and suggested that legalizing gambling could deter quality tourists by damaging the country’s image.
Conversely, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Road Business Association, acknowledged the potential economic and tourism benefits of entertainment complexes but emphasized the need for clear and enforceable regulations. He suggested that these venues be located in secondary cities rather than popular tourist destinations like Bangkok or Phuket to spread prosperity.
Sanga also highlighted the importance of determining whether Thai nationals should be allowed entry and warned that legalizing casinos could lead to conflicts between economic gains and social consequences, as seen in other countries.
