• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Features
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Thai coup could squeeze border casinos

May 22, 2014 Newsdesk Latest News, Rest of Asia, Top of the deck  


Thai coup could squeeze border casinos

Thailand’s military coup – announced today – could have negative implications for some southeast Asian casinos, particularly those located in towns near Thailand’s border.

The last time Thailand’s army took the reins of power in 2006, the junta imposed cross-border controls on capital movement. If that happens this time and the borders are also sealed to Thai nationals for more than a few days, it could severely inhibit the ability of players to take part in cross-border casino trips. Casino gambling is not legal inside Thailand, but many Thais visit border establishments in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos for their gaming entertainment.

According to a research paper by Patrick Lee Chang Boon, an associate professor in the faculty of business at the University of Macau, the gross gambling yield – gross turnover less the amount paid to customers as winnings – of Thai gamblers is low when judged internationally. It amounted on a per person basis to only 0.06 percent of gross domestic product per capita according to data released in 2008. But when Thais are measured by a factor known as ‘uncertainty avoidance’ – an indicator of how likely a national group is to gamble – they are in the middle of the spectrum.

A study by Chulalongkorn University’s Center for Gambling Studies, suggests Thais spend as much as US$10 billion annually on illegal gambling, much of it in huay tai din, or underground lottery houses. There are also unconfirmed rumours of major underground casinos protected by people within the military.

On Thursday afternoon Bangkok time, the Thai army announced its takeover and a daily curfew running from 10pm to 5am until further notice.

It follows failed talks between the pro-establishment yellowshirts faction and the redshirt supporters of ousted populist prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. His sister and successor as pro-Thaksin party leader Yingluck Shinawatra was herself removed as caretaker prime minister last week – in what critics described as a judicial coup – following allegations of abuse of power.

Thailand’s army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said the takeover was for the good of the nation, following six months of political deadlock and street violence.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • NagaWorld ops paused after 11 staff positive for Covid-19
    NagaWorld ops paused after 11 staff...

    Mar 02, 2021  

  • Border casino op Donaco posts positive EBITDA for Jul-Dec
    Border casino op Donaco posts positive...

    Feb 26, 2021  

More news
  • Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry
    Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for...

    Mar 02, 2021  

  • Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award
    Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in...

    Mar 02, 2021  


Latest News

Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry

Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry

Mar 02, 2021  

From after the stroke of midnight on Wednesday (March 3) people wishing to enter Macau casino floors will no longer need to show a test certificate proving they are free of Covid-19 infection, said...
Read More
Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award

Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award

Mar 02, 2021  

Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Mar 02, 2021  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Partners

Pick of the Day

”Consumers are increasingly comfortable using cashless technology, and they will continue to expect this option to be available on the floor"

Matt Wilson

Chief executive – gaming business at casino equipment and technology supplier Scientific Games



Most Popular

  • Galaxy Macau to add Raffles-branded hotel towerGalaxy Macau to add Raffles-branded hotel tower March 1, 2021
  • Melco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau recovery in MarchMelco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau recovery in March February 26, 2021
  • Macau casino GGR down 9pct m-o-m in February: govtMacau casino GGR down 9pct m-o-m in February: govt March 1, 2021
  • Macau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent bossMacau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent boss February 25, 2021
  • Suncity to open clubs at Londoner Macao, Lisboa PalaceSuncity to open clubs at Londoner Macao, Lisboa Palace February 26, 2021
Copyright 2014-2020 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us