Macau-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd has expressed interest in developing a casino resort in Thailand’s capital Bangkok, according to comments by Kevin Clayton, identified as chief brand officer of Galaxy Resorts Thailand. His remarks were reported by the Bangkok Post on Friday.
Mr Clayton (pictured) highlighted Thailand’s push to attract more foreign tourists and boost tourism revenue, noting that significant investment in key attractions would be essential for sustainable growth.
“To generate this level of growth the country needs a sizeable level of investment in key attractions to attract both frequent travellers and first-time visitors. We’re interested in Bangkok, which deserves a truly iconic complex,” he said.
He acknowledged some local opposition to the Entertainment Complex Bill, which would pave the way for legal casino resorts in Thailand, but argued that regulation could help mitigate social issues associated with illegal gambling.
Last week, the country’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.
“The entertainment complex industry is heavily regulated,” Mr Clayton told the Bangkok Post. “You probably won’t find a more regulated environment than this, whether in terms of customer acquisition, responsible gambling, or anti-money laundering.”
Francis Lui Yiu Tung, chairman of Galaxy Entertainment, said last month the company was to send a team to Thailand to study the potential of that market as a casino jurisdiction.
“We are conducting studies at the moment” regarding the Thai market, he said at the time. “In the meantime, we still feel very bullish” about the potential of a Thai casino industry, Mr Lui added.
Mr Clayton is a former chief marketing officer for Galaxy Entertainment. He had left the firm in 2019 but, according to his LinkedIn page, returned last January, as “chief brand officer on brand, brand building, submission strategy and bid documentation in securing a much sought-after entertainment complex… licence in Bangkok, Thailand for Galaxy Entertainment and its partners.”
GGRAsia reported in February that a licensing entity linked to Galaxy Entertainment had applied to the Macau government for several trademarks containing the words “Bangkok” or “Thailand”.
