A proposal to create a high income qualification for any Thais that wanted to wager in casino resorts mooted for that nation, is due to social concerns about the risk of problem gambling among people with fewer means.
That is according to Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of Thailand’s Council of State, as cited by local media outlet the Bangkok Post in a Wednesday report. The body has a reviewing role for fresh legislation in that country. Casinos are being proposed under Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill.
The entertainment complexes are designed to be “tourism attractions; that’s the focus, not the gambling,” stated Mr Pakorn.
He added: “I think if we impose strict measures, we might be able to prevent Thais from entering [the complexes] and becoming gambling addicts.”
Under a fresh draft of the bill as proposed by the Council of State, any Thais wishing to enter casinos there would be required to present a fixed-deposit bank account statement showing a balance of at least THB50 million (US$1.5 million) dating back six consecutive months.
Mr Pakorn added though – as cited indirectly by the news outlets the Bangkok Post and The Nation – that the content of the latest draft including the income qualification – might be further amended after a scheduled public consultation.
The high-bar economic qualification proposed for locals, if realised, could dampen investment interest among international casino brands, a number of industry observers remarked to GGRAsia.
The bill is subject to scrutiny via a public hearing process, with a deadline of March 1 having been mentioned.
The content of the latest draft would be part of the public review process, reported the Bangkok Post, citing Mr Pakorn.
A final draft is to be submitted to the Thai cabinet in March, the media report also mentioned.
