El_Mero_Mero
All Star
Thailand Chooses Cities for Future Casino Complexes
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia The Thai government has taken a bold step forward, announcing plans to develop major entertainment complexes in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This announcement comes amidst vocal public criticism, highlighting the country's strategy to stimulate tourism...
aseannow.com
The Thai government has taken a bold step forward, announcing plans to develop major entertainment complexes in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. This announcement comes amidst vocal public criticism, highlighting the country's strategy to stimulate tourism and economic growth through these ventures.
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Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the special committee overseeing this ambitious project, revealed these plans on Thursday. As an influential MP from the ruling Pheu Thai Party, Mr. Nikom expressed optimism about the project, which is projected to cost a staggering 500 billion Thai Baht and attract upwards of 50 million tourists each year.
The proposed complexes are expected to generate approximately 40,000 new jobs, positioning Thailand as a sought-after destination for global tourists and business investments alike.
International investors have already begun to express keen interest, eyeing the vast potential of Thailand's entertainment industry. Mr. Nikom emphasised that each complex would include luxurious five-star hotels, bustling shopping malls, thrilling amusement parks, state-of-the-art sports arenas, and grand convention centres.
Although the inclusion of casinos has attracted significant attention, Mr. Nikom insists that less than 10% of each complex would be devoted to gambling, challenging public perceptions that the developments are predominantly casino-focused.
The Entertainment Complex Bill was slated for discussion in a recent cabinet meeting, but this was delayed due to an ongoing public feedback process managed by the Ministry of Finance.
Concerns from protest groups have necessitated a thorough review of public sentiment before proceeding. The feedback window remains open until Friday, after which revisions based on public opinion will be sent back to the cabinet.
Despite the positive outlook from policymakers, criticism persists. Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, has openly criticised the bill, citing loopholes and insufficient preventative measures against youth gambling.
Mr. Thanakorn highlights the ambiguity surrounding casino regulations, such as the number of establishments, gambling space proportions, licensing fees, and tax rates.
Additionally, the bill's allowance for 'other businesses' within casino complexes has sparked fear of potential money laundering through intermediary services known as junket operations. Such concerns underscore the need for clear, robust regulations to safeguard the integrity of Thailand’s financial landscape.
As the Entertainment Complex Bill continues to evolve, Thailand faces a critical juncture. The country stands on the brink of a transformative era in tourism and entertainment, but how it navigates these opportunities and challenges will determine its ultimate success, reported Bangkok Post.
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As far as I know, Thailand oultlawed casinos as long as most of us have been alive.
