Survey shows over 80% want legal casino complex in Thailand

Petch PetpailinPublished: 14:17, 07 July 2022| Updated: 14:20, 07 July 2022

228 1 minute read

Survey shows over 80% want legal casino complex in Thailand — Photo by Ben Lambert via Unsplash

Photo by Ben Lambert via Unsplash

A survey released by the Casino Committee of Thailand has revealed overwhelming evidence that the Thai nation wants a legal casino and entertainment complex in the country.

Almost 81% of 3,296 participants said they would welcome a legal casino and entertainment complex in Thailand.

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MP from the Pheu Thai Party, and Casino Committee of Thailand spokesperson, Jakkapon Tangsuttitham, yesterday revealed the committee launched a survey in a number of areas identified as possible locations for a casino in Thailand. He said 80.67% of participants agreed that the kingdom should open a legal casino complex.

The survey asked participants about businesses that should be included in the casino complex. Almost 64% wanted a casino with a department store, 40% wanted a casino with a spa and massage, 39% wanted a casino with banks and financial institutions, and 37% wanted a legal standalone casino complex.

Regarding the question about the suitable locations, about 57% suggested Bangkok and areas within a 100 kilometres radius of Don Mueng International Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and U-Tapao Rayong – Pattaya International Airport. Some recommended tourist destinations and others suggested the border provinces with permanent immigration checkpoints.

The report also proposed negative effects of a casino, with almost 55% of participants worried about crime, 53% worried about debt, and 40% had concerns about foreign business donations and involvement.

Jakkapon stated that the committee held seminars at possible casino locations like Chiang Rai and Tak provinces in the north and Sa Kaeo in Isaan. The seminars discussed measures to prevent illegal casinos, tax collection, casino locations, effects of casino complexes on Thai culture, the investment cost, and benefits of legal casinos.

Petch Petpailin

Petpailin, or Petch, is a Thai translator and writer for The Thaiger who focuses on translating breakingThai news stories into English. With a background in field journalism, Petch brings several years of experience to the English News desk at The Thaiger. Before joining The Thaiger, Petch worked as a content writer for several known blogging sites in Bangkok, including Happio and The Smart Local. Her articles have been syndicated by many big publishers in Thailand and internationally, including the Daily Mail, The Sun and the Bangkok Post. She is a news writer who stops reading news on the weekends to spend more time cafe hopping and petting dwarf shrimp! But during office hours, you can find Petch on LinkedIn and you can reach her by email at petch@thethaiger.com.