For the first time in history, Thailand has officially announced the launch of entertainment complexes with casinos in key tourist provinces. This decision, made after many years of discussion, may not only significantly change the country’s economic landscape but also spark a lively debate in society. Will the new resorts become a driver for sustainable growth or will they increase social tension? For the first time in decades, the state is ready to bring the gambling industry out of the shadows and legalize a sphere that was previously considered taboo.
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Reasons for location selection and the role of tourism
Looking at the map of Thailand, the government has chosen Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Why were these provinces selected? The answer lies in their popularity among tourists and developed infrastructure. As noted by Nikom Boonviset, vice chairman of the special committee, these regions traditionally receive the largest number of guests from different countries. It is here that the maximum tourist flow is recorded throughout the year.
It is expected that the launch of entertainment complexes will give new impetus to the development of tourism and increase tourist flow. “The new complexes will become points of attraction for millions of travelers and create unique opportunities for business development,” emphasized the committee representative at a briefing for the Bangkok Post. Can it be said that the choice of these locations guarantees the project’s success?
Main project parameters
The project impresses with its scale: it is planned to invest 500 billion baht (about US$14.9 billion) in the creation of modern entertainment complexes. According to the organizers, these facilities will receive at least 50 million visitors annually, and the number of new jobs will exceed 40,000. What will such a complex look like?
Each of them is planned to include:
- five-star hotels,
- large shopping malls,
- themed amusement parks,
- sports arenas,
- congress and exhibition centers.
Interestingly, less than 10% of each center’s area will be allocated to the casino. The remaining space will be occupied by diverse infrastructure for leisure, sports, and business meetings. This decision is aimed at forming a holistic image of multifunctional resorts, not just gambling houses.
International experience and examples
Can the experience of other countries serve as a guide for Thailand? In neighboring Singapore and the Philippines, similar projects have already led to an increase in tourism indicators and budget revenues. For example, integrated resorts in Singapore have become the city’s calling card and ensured a significant influx of foreign guests.
Such complexes are not just casinos, but multi-level centers for leisure and business. International experience shows that a properly organized resort allows for attracting different groups of tourists and minimizing the negative effects of gambling. Can Thailand repeat this success and adapt the best practices?
Arguments of supporters of change
Supporters of the innovation are confident: the project will bring the country a wide range of economic benefits. Among the main arguments are:
- growth of tax revenues,
- creation of numerous new jobs,
- development of urban and tourist infrastructure.
According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Thailand’s gross domestic product in 2025 may reach $545.3 billion, provided the service sector grows. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasizes that the legalization of gambling will help increase budget revenues and attract investment. “This is not just a matter of entertainment, it is a strategic choice for the future of the national economy,” says the head of government.
Why are supporters confident that this step is beneficial? They point to the possibility of legal market control, an influx of tourists, and strengthening Thailand’s position in the Southeast Asian region.
Arguments of opponents and social concerns
What do opponents of the reform say about the future of youth? Issues of social responsibility come to the fore, in particular, concerns about the growth of gambling addiction, negative influence on teenagers and youth, as well as the risk of using new casinos for money laundering.
Public organizations such as the Stop Gambling Foundation express concern about the insufficient protection of vulnerable categories of citizens. In particular, experts fear the emergence of junket operators—intermediaries who organize trips to casinos for wealthy clients. It is these structures that are often mentioned in the context of possible circumvention of visitor control.
Discussing possible risks, experts are increasingly paying attention not only to the very fact of legalization but also to the quality of control mechanisms. For society, it is important to understand that gambling establishments will have the same serious security standards as in the IGaming industry.
In international practice, online casinos have criteria by which a secure online casino is determined—the presence of a license, transparent financial operations, and responsible gaming tools. However, such principles are also becoming fundamental for offline casinos. This makes it possible to reduce the risks of abuse and increase trust from the state and society. The extent to which such standards will be consistently implemented in Thailand will determine the perception of the reform in the long term.
In some countries, the practice of tightening regulation has helped to reduce these risks. Can it be considered that Thailand’s laws will be just as effective in ensuring transparency and fairness?
Public reaction and political process
The new proposals have already sparked a wave of protests. Who and why is taking to the streets? First of all, these are civil activists, religious associations, and representatives of the teaching community. They fear that the legalization of casinos will lead to the erosion of traditional values.
The process of adopting the law is accompanied by public hearings and the collection of feedback. The financial department has stated the need to finalize the bill and announced the postponement of its consideration in the Cabinet of Ministers. Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized: “The government is not rushing to implement the project and is ready to take public opinion into account.”
The issue of allowing citizens of the country access to gambling establishments is also being discussed. Among the proposed measures is the requirement to have at least 50 million baht in the bank for six months. This condition is still under discussion and is causing intense debate.
Remaining questions and near-term prospects
What steps will the government take to smooth out conflicts? Lawmakers face the task of developing control mechanisms, defining restrictions for citizens, and refining anti-money laundering measures. Experts note that the success of the reform will depend on the quality of regulation and the system’s ability to adapt to challenges.
What prospects are being discussed in the expert community? Opinions are expressed both about a possible breakthrough in economic development and about risks to social stability.
Will the new large-scale project become an opportunity to change the country’s usual way of life, or will it lead to new challenges? The answer to this question remains open for every resident of Thailand and the attentive observer.
