Operator News
Thailand – Thailand’s National Assembly to debate introducing casinos on March 28
By Phil - 20 March 2024
Thailand’s National Assembly will discuss the potential casino bill in the lower house on March 28 with the bold ambition to take on Macau and Japan with a minimum investment of US$3bn.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said: “The bill has been drafted and submitted to the House. The next step will depend on the House’s decision. If the House approves it, I’ll pass it on to the Cabinet to deliberate and the final decision will depend on the Cabinet.”
There is expected to be strong bilateral support on the parliamentary floor for the gaming bill.
The House of Representatives has already recomended that casino complexes should be built with no more than five per cent of the floor space dedicated to gaming in up to five locations with Bangkok, Pattaya, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga all suggested as ideal locations.
An initial casino in the Greater Bangkok area, along with gaming floors in seaside southern regions could generate at least $11bn in taxes if tax was set at 30 per cent. However, the proposal is for a 17 per cent casino tax in line with Singapore to attract foreign investors.
The Royal Thai Police has said that access to casinos should be restricted with age, financial status as well nationality should be used as criteria for allowing access to legalised casinos. They also put forward that casinos should be developed away from communities and educational institutions.
