Thailand sets April 2025 deadline on casino bill

Ansh Pandey January 28, 2025
Thailand sets April 2025 deadline on casino bill

The Thai government has set a mid-April deadline for the approval of its draft casino bill, currently under review by the Council of State. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed this week that the bill is expected to progress to the House of Representatives for consideration before the current parliamentary session ends in mid-April.

Speaking after a recent meeting with the Council of State, Julapun described the discussions as productive, noting that the council provided valuable legal perspectives and feedback on the proposed legislation. 

Julapun also highlighted the importance of ensuring the bill’s vision remains intact during future discussions. To this end, he has proposed that representatives from the executive branch join these deliberations. Two deputy secretaries to the Prime Minister have already been appointed to support this process.

Bangkok seeks moderate growth 

For the unaware, the casino draft bill outlines plans for Thailand’s first legalised casino resorts, aiming to integrate a range of businesses alongside casinos. The Thai authorities’ approach seeks to attract investment, boost tourism, and increase visitor spending.

Their entertainment complex model draws inspiration from successful examples in Singapore and the United States. The government expects these complexes to stimulate economic growth, with initial projections of increasing growth from 2 percent to 2.8 percent, eventually reaching a sustainable 5 percent.

The draft bill was approved by the cabinet earlier this month and forwarded to the Council of State for further refinement. 

However, the council has already expressed its own reservations about the initially proposed bill. Thailand’s State Council had raised concerns about the proposed casino legalisation bill. The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF), an NGO that raises awareness about the risks of gambling, has criticised the bill, describing it as a watered-down version of what it was originally anticipated.

Bill inspired from Singapore model 

The draft casino bill, while inspired by Singapore’s integrated resort (IR) model, has drawn criticism for its shortcomings. Reportedly, the proposal excludes arenas and cultural attractions, prompting concerns from the State Council and the Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF). 

The SGF argues that the bill lacks focus on non-gaming attractions, responsible gambling measures, and clear taxation rules, making it an unbalanced approach compared to successful IR models in Singapore, Macau, and Las Vegas.

Last year, Thailand’s parliamentary committee unanimously supported legalising casinos, envisioning up to five entertainment complexes anchored by casinos. Singapore’s IRs, known for integrating gambling with amenities like concert arenas, cultural attractions, and convention facilities, serve as a benchmark for creating multifaceted destinations.

By integrating entertainment, tourism, and business opportunities, the government aims to position Thailand as a regional hub for investment and leisure.The Transport Ministry has proposed Bangkok Port as a potential site for an entertainment complex, but progress hinges upon the bill’s passage. 

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