Thailand plans integrated casino complexes to boost economy
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced yesterday, January 27, that discussions had taken place with the Council of State regarding a draft bill proposed by the Finance Ministry. This bill concerns the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes, which would include a casino.
He anticipates that the draft bill will be presented to the House for consideration during the current session. Julapun had a meeting with the Council of State’s special committee on January 23 to provide details on the draft.
“They provided valuable feedback, especially their perspectives on the law,” Julapun remarked.
He explained that the proposed entertainment complexes would integrate various businesses, including casinos, to attract investment, boost tourism, increase visitor spending in Thailand, create jobs, and help regulate illegal gambling activities.
Julapun also suggested that representatives from the executive branch should participate in future meetings with the Council of State to discuss the draft law. Two deputy secretaries to the prime minister, Suksit Srichomkwan and Chattarin Chanhom, have been appointed to attend every meeting to ensure the principles and vision for the complexes are maintained.
He clarified that some media and public comparisons to traditional gambling establishments or casinos in neighbouring countries are inaccurate. Instead, Thailand’s entertainment complexes are inspired by models in Singapore and the United States, aiming to attract investment and act as a catalyst for the country’s economic growth.
Discussing Thailand’s economic history, he pointed out that 30 years ago, growth averaged 10%; 20 years ago, it decreased to 5%, and over the last decade, it averaged just 2%. The government’s target is to increase growth to 2.7 to 2.8% and achieve a sustainable 5% average. The entertainment complexes are expected to play a crucial role in this economic strategy, reported Bangkok Post.
When addressing opposition revealed in a National Institute of Development Administration survey, Julapun mentioned that public hearings had already been conducted, showing 80% public support for the project. He encouraged the media to differentiate between the proposed entertainment complexes and online gambling.
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