written and last updated by
Sam Smith at
16 Jul 2024
Journalist, Editorial Department
Thailand's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Jakapong Tangsutthitham, has forecasted the completion of legislation for casino resorts, with a final version expected by the fourth quarter of this year. He indicated that a special government commission will be established in early 2025 to oversee the initiative.
In a recent interview, Tangsutthitham expressed confidence that Thailand possesses the necessary infrastructure and regulatory framework to legalize the gambling industry. He emphasized that the Thai authorities believe legalizing casinos will attract more foreign tourists, particularly from Asia, and generate significant tax revenue for the government.
"The Thai Cabinet is currently considering the opinions of involved agencies. The bill will then be sent back to the House of Representatives. If there are no outstanding issues, it could be passed by the end of the year. Following that, according to regulations, the next step will be taken at the beginning of the upcoming year with the establishment of a research commission," the minister stated.
The initiative to legalize land-based casinos marks a strategic shift for the Thai government, which has traditionally maintained a more conservative stance on this issue. Proponents argue that gambling establishments could stimulate tourism and economic development, which is particularly crucial for Thailand's recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Details of the proposed legislation have not yet been disclosed, but the public and stakeholders will be kept informed as plans progress, especially regarding the potential social and economic impacts of casino legalization.
It is worth noting that the Prime Minister of Thailand has ordered an expedited review of the casino resort legalization project.
