Operator News
Songkhla Tourism President puts forward his hope for a casino
By Phil - 22 May 2024
The Bangkok Post has reported that Songkhla, located on Thailand’s southern border with Malaysia, wants a casino licence to help fuel an influx of casino tourists.
Songchai Mungprasithichai, President of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, said that due to Songkhla closeness to Malaysia’s Resorts World Genting, the region would provide an alternative option for gamblers already close by.
He said to the Post: “Tourism operators in Ban Dan Nok said the market is quiet. Even in Hat Yai, tourist flows are not consistent as in the past, with 90 per cent of the foreign market hailing from Malaysia during festivals, and now they have more choices than Hat Yai. Despite being an Islamic country, Malaysia allows legal casinos in Genting.”
He added: “For the entertainment complex plan to run smoothly it must address the economic impact on locals, helping them to understand the development would welcome all segments with other attractions such as hotels and shopping, not only gambling.”
Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently put forward the proposal that only five per cent of ant future Thai casino resort should be devoted to its gaming floor.
Image from Ahoerstemeier
