Operator News
Thailand – Thai National Assembly recommends casino introduction to government
By Phil - 29 July 2022
The Thai National Assembly has recommended to its government that a decree allowing ‘entertainment complexes’ including casinos should be brought in to boost the economy and prevent Thais spending money in casinos outside of the country.
The plan is for casinos to include hotels, amusement parks, and retail outlets with government due to discuss the recommendation in a parliamentary recess in September. Locals will be able to gamble in the casinos.
Pichet Chuamuangphan, the second vice-chairman of the committee, said that an initial casino in the Greater Bangkok area, along with gaming floors in seaside southern regions such as Phuket, Krabi, or Phang Nga, could generate at least $11bn in taxes if tax was set at 30 per cent.
Pichet Chuamuangphan, the second vice-chairman of the committee, said: “We’re focused on attracting foreigners to step up tourism and draw more money out of their pockets. This will also stem the outflow of money from Thai gamblers and help the government collect hefty taxes for our economic security.”
“Providing multiple activities will avoid the creation of gambling dens and broaden the appeal of the tourism industry,” he added.
Whilst Thailand’s Gambling Act of 1935 bans most forms of gambling it contains a provision allowing the government to issue decrees or licenses for certain gaming activities and venues.
