Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has formally urged lawmakers and stakeholders to throw their weight behind the Entertainment Complex Bill, a landmark piece of legislation poised to legalize integrated resorts, complete with casinos across the nation. The Prime Minister’s renewed push underscores Thailand’s strategic ambition to enhance tourism, stimulate economic growth, and curb illegal gambling activities.
Tapping Into Regional Casino Tourism
If passed, the bill would permit the development of entertainment complexes, large-scale venues incorporating casinos, hotels, shopping malls, and convention centers. Thailand, which currently prohibits all forms of casino gambling, has long lagged behind neighbors such as Singapore and Cambodia, where integrated resorts have driven substantial tourism revenues.
Studies by Thailand’s House of Representatives estimate that legalized casinos could generate up to THB 400 billion ($11 billion) in annual tax revenues, while also reducing outbound gambling flows—millions of Thais travel annually to neighboring countries to gamble.
Balancing Economic Potential with Social Concerns
The Prime Minister emphasized that the legislation includes robust safeguards to mitigate problem gambling and maintain social responsibility. Measures under consideration include restricting Thai nationals below a certain income threshold from participating in casino activities, implementing strict anti-money laundering checks, and allocating a portion of casino taxes to fund social welfare programmes.
According to a recent parliamentary survey, over 80% of respondents support the idea of legalizing casinos within entertainment complexes, citing job creation and tourism revival as key motivators. However, opposition from religious groups and conservative factions remains a challenge, with critics arguing that increased gambling access could exacerbate addiction and crime.
Next Steps in Legislation
The Entertainment Complex Bill is expected to be debated in parliament in mid-2025, with a potential pilot project in major tourism hubs such as Bangkok, Pattaya, or Phuket.
