Thailand’s cabinet approved a bill to legalize gambling in entertainment complexes to boost tourism and create jobs, amidst longstanding resistance and concerns over organized crime and illegal betting.
Thailand’s cabinet approved a controversial bill to legalize gambling in designated “entertainment complexes,” aiming to boost tourism and create jobs. This proposed law would allow the establishment of casinos within tourism hubs that incorporate theme parks, hotels, and shopping malls. Currently, legal gambling is limited to state-run horse races and an official lottery.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the bill’s goals: increasing revenue, attracting investment, and addressing illegal gambling. The bill will now be drafted by the Office of the Council of State before being debated in parliament, a process expected to take months.
Despite resistance from conservative forces in the predominantly Buddhist country, the government anticipates a 5-10% increase in tourist numbers and the creation of up to 15,000 jobs. The specifics of the entertainment complex locations and construction schedule remain undisclosed.
Source : Thailand Approves Controversial Bill To Legalise Casinos, Gambling
