Thai casino entry rule demands 50 million baht deposit for citizens
Thai nationals wishing to enter the proposed casino-entertainment complex must have held at least 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for a minimum of six months, according to a government source.
This stipulation is part of Section 65 of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which has been examined by the Council of State and will be reviewed by the Cabinet on March 11.
Additionally, Thai nationals would be required to pre-register and pay a fee in order to gain entry. Concerns have been raised by government figures who argue that such a condition might hinder economic growth.
The source further revealed that Section 59 of the bill specifies that gambling activities within the complex would be governed by this new legislation, rather than existing anti-gambling laws.
Section 63 mandates identity verification for all visitors using a passport or ID card. Sections 61 and 62 strictly prohibit online gambling and the live-streaming of gambling activities to prevent external participation.
The Council of State returned the bill to the government on February 28 for further amendments, and it remains uncertain if the Cabinet will pass the legislation.
Previously, Pakorn Nilprapunt, Secretary General of the Council of State, stated that the financial requirement would restrict gambling to those with substantial means, excluding most Thai citizens due to gambling concerns.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed apprehension, saying this requirement contradicts the government’s objectives. The casino-entertainment complex is intended to stimulate the economy, attract foreign investments, and address illegal gambling.
Requiring significant funds in gamblers’ bank accounts could instead drive many Thais to illegal venues or border casinos.
Julapun mentioned that the issue would be discussed further by the Cabinet and Parliament. Last month, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated that the bill was unlikely to receive Cabinet approval with such an entry requirement for Thai citizens, reported Bangkok Post.
In similar news, Council of State Secretary General Pakorn Nilprapunt previously stated that the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill is primarily aimed at foreign tourism, with stringent measures proposed to minimise the involvement of most Thai citizens due to concerns about gambling.
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