Thailand plans to legalise casinos to boost tourism

Thailand's Council of Ministers has approved a draft law aimed at legalising casinos to boost tourism and strengthen the country's economy.

Among measures to revive the tourism industry and improve the economic situation, the Thai government has initiated the process of legalising gambling establishments. A corresponding bill was approved on Monday, marking the first step toward the appearance of casinos in the country.

Currently, certain forms of gambling are permitted in Thailand, including betting on boxing and horse racing, but casinos remain banned.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the bill is also aimed at attracting investment and tackling illegal gambling.

"This will bring long-term benefits to society as a whole," she said. "This step is part of the government's policy to support sustainable tourism, including creating artificial tourist attractions, as previously announced in Parliament."

The Ministry of Finance, which drafted the bill, will provide further details later. The initiative is being framed as the creation of "entertainment complexes."

Casino legalisation as an economic stimulus

The current government, which took office in September, has made addressing the country's economic problems a priority.

Under the draft law, casinos would be able to operate as part of mixed-use complexes that could include, for example, hotels, conference centres, shopping malls, or amusement parks.

Entry to casinos will be prohibited for those under 20. Admission will be free for foreigners, while Thai citizens will have to pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht (about €140), according to the bill.

After approval by the Council of Ministers, the draft will be sent to the Council of State for review, and then submitted to Parliament for debate and a vote in both chambers.

"Isn't it time to acknowledge that Thailand has both legal and illegal gambling establishments, as well as their counterparts in neighbouring countries?" said government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub. "This bill is aimed at increasing revenue for the tourism industry."

Tourism is the main driver of Thailand's economy, and successive Thai governments have traditionally focused on its development as a way to strengthen economic stability.