BANGKOK — The long-running debate in Thailand over investment in entertainment complexes has taken a significant step forward. On March 27, the Cabinet approved a draft law proposed by the Council of State, which stipulates that casinos may not account for more than 10% of the total area.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Friday that if the bill passed, it will generate 8 to 35 billion baht in tax revenue. “As for how much money will actually come into the country, that’s not yet clear. We need to get through the first stage first,” she stated.
10% of the Land is Casino
The Prime Minister clarified that the 10% figure being discussed might be misunderstood as referring to investment amounts. “It actually means 10% of the land or usable building space where the entertainment complex is located, such as dedicating an entire floor to a casino,” she explained.
When reporters asked how the government would address ongoing protests from anti-casino groups, the Prime Minister responded that they need to build understanding and will send people to discuss the details. She added that the coalition has no objection to the project.
The entertainment complex project is one the government insists is necessary to develop and increase man-made tourist destinations and stimulate the economy.
Social and Political Opposition
According to government policy, over the past decade, Thailand’s economic growth has been very low, not matching the potential of the country and Thai people. Creating important turning points, especially in the economy and tourism, is therefore essential.
However, the project faces both social and political opposition from anti-gambling groups, religious organizations, and groups opposed to Thaksin Shinawatra, who claimed he initiated this idea more than 20 years ago but faced too much resistance to launch it. Meanwhile, neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and even Cambodia have already moved ahead with similar projects.
The opposition parties have raised concerns that the government is rushing this draft legislation because of potential deals with business conglomerates, particularly from China. They are calling for transparent communication to address public skepticism, including clarity on who will benefit from the project and how the licensing process for entertainment complexes will remain transparent, demonstrating clear benefits to the public.
Changes by the State Council
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap explained that the cabinet had already approved the principles of the law on entertainment complexes drafted by the Ministry of Finance on January 13, 2025 and forwarded it to the State Council for review. The State Council then revised and refined the draft, and the Cabinet has now approved the changes.
4 Key Amendments:
- Prosecuting authority: The Prime Minister and the Interior minister will jointly oversee the enforcement of the law (previously only the Prime Minister was tasked with this role).
- Extended powers of the Policy Committee: The Policy Committee will have additional responsibilities, including making recommendations to Cabinet on key issues such as business policy for entertainment complexes and the identification of locations for such businesses.
- Director Appointment Mechanism: The Policy Committee will be responsible for the appointment of the Director.
- Policy framework for entertainment complexes: The Policy Committee must submit a policy framework to Cabinet.
A policy framework covering at least the following aspects:
- The number of licenses to be issued.
- Permitted locations for entertainment complexes.
- Investment criteria for public-private partnerships or private-sector investment.
- Measures to prevent, mitigate, and remedy potential negative impacts of entertainment complexes.
- Public consultation requirements for designated entertainment complex areas.
- Casino area restrictions: gambling areas must not exceed 10% of the total land or usable building space, whichever is smaller.
- Licensees of entertainment complex businesses will automatically be deemed to hold construction and business operation permits. Those operating casinos will be classified as financial institutions under anti-money laundering laws.
- Regulations for casino operations, including: (8.1) Anti-money laundering measures (8.2) A suitable and efficient casino control system (8.3) Measures to prevent and address casino-related issues (not included in the original draft).
- Entry requirements for Thai citizens to the casino: Thai nationals wishing to gamble must hold a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht for at least six months and pass the suitability tests set by the Casino Management Committee. (Previously, Thai nationals were prohibited from registering and paying the fee required by the committee).
- Prohibited practices: License holders or other persons are prohibited from hiring or providing incentives to increase the number of players or the amount of money spent at casinos.
- Additional administrative penalties: The new penalties include administrative penalties for violations such as non-compliance with the director’s instructions or the admission of persons who are prohibited from entering casinos.
- New Criminal Offenses: The revised draft introduces new criminal offenses, such as: enabling gambling in casinos via online systems. Broadcasting casino gambling activities, and engaging in actions that artificially increase the number of gamblers or the amount of money spent on gambling.
Jirayu explained that the bill went through four rounds of public consultation, with the last round taking place over 15 days from February 28 to March 14, 2025. A total of 71,289 people participated, of which 80% (57,000 people) expressed their approval.
Feedback focused on ensuring clear oversight, mitigating social impacts, identifying appropriate locations and improving joint governance mechanisms. The amendments also emphasize the cost-effectiveness of establishing a regulatory office, increasing flexibility in the role of the Policy Committee and improving public perception of the law.
The next step is to submit the Bill to the House of Representatives for consideration at first reading, followed by the establishment of a Select Committee for further review and amendment. The Government reiterated its commitment to prioritize the economic, investment and tourism benefits of the Entertainment Complex Initiative.
Casinos Will Be Strictly Regulated
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the main public concern regarding entertainment complexes centers on social issues related to gambling. He explained that clear rules will be established to ensure casino areas are distinctly separated from other entertainment businesses, and individuals under 20 years of age will be prohibited from entering the casinos.
“We will establish a dedicated regulatory committee and implement modern technology, such as AI-equipped surveillance cameras, to monitor and regulate people entering and exiting the premises,” Julapun said. “Those who show patterns of frequent gambling or excessive spending may be tracked and potentially banned from the area.”
Regarding the Council of State’s amendment requiring Thai nationals to have 50 million baht in their accounts to legally enter casinos, the Deputy Minister clarified that this is merely one proposal. “This requirement will be further discussed in parliament to determine appropriate adjustments,” he added.
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