Thai entertainment complex bill targets tourists, limits local gambling
Council of State Secretary General Pakorn Nilprapunt 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.
Pakorn recently shared an update on the amendments to the draft bill, noting that it is currently under its second review. The draft is open for public feedback on the Council of State’s website until March 1, with contributions from the public to be considered in the second deliberation stage.
Officials are on schedule to present the draft to the Cabinet within 50 days following the conclusion of the feedback period.
While the powers of the policy board, or super board, overseeing entertainment complexes remain largely unchanged, some details have been added to the processes for casino approval and licensing.
Pakorn addressed a proposal requiring Thai nationals wishing to enter entertainment complexes to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht (US$1.48 million) in their bank accounts. He explained that this requirement aims to restrict gambling to those with the financial means, and the draft’s content is open to further revisions based on public feedback.
“Actually, we don’t want the public to be bogged down by this gambling fanfare,” Pakorn said.
“[The entertainment complexes] are man-made tourism attractions; that’s the focus, not the gambling. I think if we impose strict measures, we might be able to prevent Thais from entering [the complexes] and becoming gambling addicts.”
Despite the heated public debate surrounding the entertainment complex project, Pakorn emphasised that the government will ultimately determine its outcome, irrespective of public disagreements.
The government is actively advancing the entertainment complex bill, which would permit the establishment of casinos within designated entertainment complexes. The proposal has sparked significant debate, particularly concerning the potential opening of casinos.
A special committee, led by former deputy prime minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, was established by the Council of State to review the bill due to its considerable political and social implications.
The committee has made several amendments, including defining casino areas within entertainment complexes and ensuring public hearings to evaluate social and environmental impacts, reported Bangkok Post.
The bill also includes strict measures to prevent issues such as prostitution and initiatives to promote local employment at the entertainment complexes. The final draft is anticipated to be presented to the Cabinet for approval next month.
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