Thai casino plan wins overwhelming support in public hearing

BANGKOK – An overwhelming majority of respondents at a public hearing has backed Thailand’s plan to legalise casinos, with the government signalling it is open to incorporating suggestions to ease the high entry barrier for locals.

About 80 per cent of the participants agreed with the overall content of a draft Bill to pave the way for casinos to be housed inside large entertainment complexes.

More than 70,000 people submitted their opinions and recommendations during the Feb 28 to March 14 public hearing held by the Finance Ministry, according to a government statement.

Tourism-reliant Thailand aims to pass the controversial casino Bill in 2025 to attract more foreign investment and lift tax revenue, while also tackling illegal gaming venues.

But the move has been criticised by the opposition and groups fighting to tackle gambling addictions among Thais, saying casinos will largely benefit big businesses and foreign companies.

Global gaming companies have long canvassed for legalisation of casinos in the South-east Asian nation, one of the world’s top tourism destinations.

Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd and MGM Resorts International are said to be studying potential opportunities in Thailand as a hedge against uncertain prospects in Macau. Las Vegas Sands Corp has said it would be interested in expanding to Thailand.

To address public concerns that legal casinos would fuel gambling addiction, the Council of State has revised the draft to set limits on the casino area inside an entertainment complex besides proposing high entry barriers for Thai citizens.

A casino will not occupy more than 10 per cent of the total area inside an integrated resort, according to the draft Bill. Thais wishing to enter the gaming venues would be required to present bank statements showing fixed deposits of at least 50 million baht (S$2 million) in the previous six consecutive