Thailand’s Labour Minister has publicly endorsed the idea of legalizing casinos in Thailand, arguing that it could significantly boost the economy and generate a minimum of 50,000 jobs distributed across five regions.
According to the Bangkok Post, the government led by Pheu Thai is contemplating the establishment of casinos and entertainment complexes following the completion of a study by a House committee on the matter.
Labour Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn noted that “legalizing activities such as gambling in casinos will create more benefits for the economy”.
The formal support for casino legalization from the Thai Labor Minister means that both principal political parties within the ruling coalition government are now officially behind the plan.
Phiphat has proposed that casinos should be situated in secondary provinces across all five regions of the nation and considers that five casinos could generate a minimum of 50,000 job opportunities.
The minister emphasized that selected cities should boast additional tourist attractions and possess the capacity to accommodate a substantial influx of visitors. Moreover, they must be equipped with essential infrastructure and transportation facilities, such as airports and train stations. Prospective sites may include Songkhla and Chiang Rai.
A committee from Thailand’s House of Representatives, responsible for evaluating the feasibility of legalizing casinos in the country, will present its findings to the parliament in the coming days.
