Thai Prime Minister Affirms: Casino Venture Adopts 'Accountable Gaming' Approach
Thailand's Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, revealed the government's ambitious plan for Entertainment Complexes, aimed at revamping the nation's tourism landscape. These complexes, slated to house concert halls, hotels, and responsible gaming zones, will be financed solely by private investments, with no government or taxpayer funds involved.
During her monthly "Empowering Thais" program, the Prime Minister laid out the vision for these complexes, promising strict regulations and criteria to oversee legalized casinos. Visitors from all countries will undergo thorough background checks and financial assessments. Only those meeting specific financial thresholds will gain access to the gaming areas.
Critics have voiced concerns, but Paetongtarn dismissed these as political ploys, causing unnecessary confusion. She highlighted that the casino model drawn from Singapore and other countries like Japan and the UAE would be implemented.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Entertainment Complexes would not exacerbate Thailand's vices, as developed nations like Singapore, the U.S., Japan, and the UAE have followed this trend, acknowledging that natural attractions aren't enough to attract tourists anymore. Japan, for instance, plans to convert the Osaka Expo 2025 venue into an entertainment complex in five years.
These complexes are expected to eliminate the traditional low season in Thailand's tourism sector. Moreover, they will boost tourism and economic growth by creating new employment opportunities and attracting foreign investment. The government anticipates collecting taxes from casino visitors, which will circulate in the economy, fostering further development.
- In her plans for Entertainment Complexes, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expects these complexes, including casino zones, to be financed privately, without any government or taxpayer funds.
- As part of the government's tourism revamp, Paetongtarn announced stricter regulations for legalized casinos in these complexes, ensuring only financially capable individuals will gain access.
- Critics may voice concerns, but the Prime Minister's vision for the Entertainment Complexes, emulating models from Singapore, Japan, the UAE, and others, is aimed at addressing gambling trends and attracting tourists.
- Japan, following this global trend, plans to convert the Osaka Expo 2025 venue into an Entertainment Complex within five years.
- The anticipated Entertainment Complexes in Thailand are expected to resolve the traditionally low tourism season, boost tourism and economic growth, and create new employment opportunities.
- To ensure responsible gambling, the government's plan includes implementing strict criteria and background checks for all visitors, aiming to make the gambling sector a responsible and integral part of the business and finance landscape in Thailand.
