Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has described the potential introduction of casino resorts – termed locally as ‘entertainment complexes’ – as a significant opportunity to revitalise the country’s tourism sector and economy. However, he emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with the country’s parliament.
“An entertainment complex is a game changer for Thailand, but it is up to parliament to decide whether the first reading will proceed,” he said, as reported by local media outlet The Nation.
Speaking on Wednesday at a roundtable session hosted by Thai-language newspaper Krungthep Turakij, Mr Julapun (pictured in a file photo) indicated that a bill proposing the legalisation of such complexes is likely to be submitted soon to Thailand’s cabinet and to the House of Representatives.
Last week, the country’s prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, said the cabinet would not rush the deliberation of the Entertainment Complex Bill – the enabling bill for the country to host casinos in large-scale resorts – as the government would consider opinions and concerns from all stakeholders.
“Our economy once grew exponentially, but it is difficult right now, as we lack a new growth engine,” Mr Julapun said during the roundtable discussion.
He added that the local authorities estimated that introducing entertainment complexes could boost average tourism spending per person to THB60,000 (US$1,780) from currently THB40,000. Additionally, annual foreign visitor numbers could see a rise of between 5 percent and 10 percent, Mr Julapun said.
“We will create man-made destinations to encourage families to engage in activities together,” he stated.
Mr Julapun gave assurances that stringent regulations would be implemented to mitigate any negative effects stemming from the legalisation of gaming. He also confirmed that multiple companies have expressed interest in investing in entertainment complexes within Thailand.
