Thailand Pushes Forward with Casino Legislation Amid Plans for Entertainment Complex Boom

Thailand’s government is accelerating its efforts to pass landmark legislation that would pave the way for the development of integrated entertainment complexes featuring casinos, with officials stating this week that the bill is expected to be finalized within the current administration’s term. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has been in office since August 2024, leads the government, which will remain in power until June 2027.

At a press briefing held on June 4th, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Suksit Srichomkwan presented the government’s latest push on the matter. The briefing came just a day before Amornvivat was scheduled to address a Senate Extraordinary Committee currently reviewing the draft legislation.

Lawmakers are slated to begin debating the proposed law in July, as the government aims to open a new chapter for the country’s gaming sector and significantly increase its tourism appeal. Backed by the ruling Pheu Thai party, the administration anticipates the initiative will draw in at least THB100 billion ($3 billion) in investment, while boosting international tourist arrivals by up to ten percent.

Projections provided by the government estimate that the entertainment complexes could generate between THB12.04 billion ($353 million) and THB39.25 billion ($1.15 billion) annually in state revenue. This includes tax income not only from casino operations but also from ancillary offerings such as five-star hotels and large-scale theme parks.

“The government will create a comprehensive law and prevent negative impact,” said Amornvivat at the briefing. “The country needs change; it needs a new engine of growth for the economy.”

The proposed legislation, which received cabinet approval earlier this year, imposes strict limits on Thai citizen access to casino facilities. Local patrons would be subject to a THB5,000 ($147) entry fee and must provide evidence of bank deposits totaling at least THB50 million ($1.5 million), a threshold that effectively bars the majority of Thai residents from participating.

Before becoming law, the bill must still gain approval from the lower house and then pass through the Senate, before being submitted for royal endorsement.

Officials at the briefing also discussed a wide-ranging system of financial controls designed to prevent criminal activity such as money laundering. “Visitor transactions will be recorded and tracked,” Srichomkwan confirmed, adding that responsible gaming policies will be enforced. These include restrictions on advertising and denying entry to individuals considered financial risks.

The scope of the initiative goes far beyond gambling. The “Thailand Entertainment Complex” vision includes facilities such as exhibition centers, large-scale concert arenas, museums, and water parks modeled after iconic international destinations like Disneyland and Universal Studios. Other planned features encompass fine dining establishments, One Tambon One Product (OTOP) retail centers, and business incubation hubs for local entrepreneurs.

Srichomkwan also underscored the project’s potential impact on infrastructure, pointing out that existing stadiums such as Rajamangala and Supachalasai lack proper facilities for hosting world-class events. He noted that after major concerts, Rajamangala alone requires THB6 million ($176,000) in turf restoration, an ongoing operational challenge the government aims to address with upgraded venues.

With the proposed entertainment complexes, tourist expenditure per visit is projected to rise significantly—from the current average of THB6,000 to THB7,000 ($176–$205) to around THB22,000 ($645). Meanwhile, national GDP could see an annual boost of at least 0.8 percent as a result of the initiative.

Presently, gambling remains broadly prohibited in Thailand, with a few exceptions including the government-run lottery, limited horse racing events, and regulated sports betting. Nevertheless, illicit gambling operations have long thrived despite these restrictions.

As the government presses ahead with its plans, the message is clear: Thailand is on the verge of a transformative shift, one aimed at modernizing its tourism infrastructure and introducing a tightly controlled and highly regulated casino gaming sector. Whether it will succeed in balancing economic ambitions with social safeguards remains to be seen, but momentum is undoubtedly building.

By fLEXI tEAM