Among 71,291 of the ‘yes-no’ responses to a government consultation on casino liberalisation in Thailand, a total of 57,568, or 80.75 percent, were in favour of the principle of completing “entertainment complexes” as they are known in that nation.
Those disagreeing, accounted for 13,723 responses, or 19.24 percent of the total.
The public consultation was held from February 28 to March 14 inclusive, by the Fiscal Policy Office of Thailand’s Ministry of Finance.
No firm date has been set for the country’s National Assembly to debate the Entertainment Complex Bill.
The consultation received a variety of suggestions on the Council of State’s recommendation that for locals to qualify to play, they should have a minimum THB50 million (US$1.5 million) in bank deposits in their name, for at least six months prior to entering a casino.
Comments included that there should be a “proper reason” why it must be THB50 million, “because it will directly affect investment”, and that “if the customer base is small, investment in this business will not happen”.
One suggestion was that the deposit threshold should be reduced from THB50 million to THB10 million and other assets should be counted, such as stocks and land.
Also mentioned was the possibility of additional income verification options, such as income tax filings for the prior three years.
Another suggestion was for the bank deposit threshold to be limited to THB5 million, but with an annual income condition of not fewer than THB2 million.
Additionally mentioned in responses, was that a minimum bank deposit requirement might be excessively restrictive in terms of personal rights. Alternatives should be considered, such as setting maximum gambling limits, and providing information about responsible gambling.
Other comments included suggestions that would-be operators should be required to allocate “at least 1 percent of their net profit” for corporate social responsibility activities; and that measures should be implemented to mitigate gambling addictions, such as setting a maximum daily betting amount.
Earlier this month, Thailand’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said the cabinet would not rush the deliberation of the Entertainment Complex Bill, as the government would consider opinions and concerns from all stakeholders.
