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Seven Key Investors Targeting Casino Projects in Thailand

Seven Key Investors Targeting Casino Projects in Thailand

International investors are showing interest in the casino-entertainment complexes that Thailand aims to establish, beginning in 2029, as reported by Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary-general to the prime minister.

He noted that around seven leading global players are eager to invest in complexes located in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya. While he did not reveal their identities, it’s worth mentioning that Melco Resorts & Entertainment, a prominent figure in the gaming industry based in Macau, has recently opened an office in Bangkok to explore large-scale resort development opportunities in Thailand.

On Monday, the cabinet approved a bill in principle that would facilitate the establishment of entertainment complexes and permit the legal operation of casinos within them. Dr. Prommin stated that the bill is expected to be submitted to parliament for review soon, with discussions anticipated to take about 7-9 months before it becomes law.

The legislation includes plans to form a policy board, headed by the prime minister, which will be tasked with selecting locations for the complexes and determining the number of licenses to be issued.

“Construction will take place on state-owned land,” Dr. Prommin explained. “Each complex will span approximately 300 rai and will feature four to five hotels with a total of 5,000 rooms, a large amusement park, and an international convention hall. The complexes will also serve as venues for concerts and other events throughout the year.

“The casino will occupy only around 3-5% of the total space of each complex, which is expected to require an investment exceeding 100 billion baht. Although construction will take three to five years, the complex could potentially open for business by the third year of construction.”

The first of these complexes is anticipated to launch in 2029, just before Japan’s inaugural casino opens in Osaka in 2030.

Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, raised concerns about the social implications of casinos, stating that the government has not taken adequate steps to address these issues. He criticized the lack of clear plans regarding financial compensation for those negatively impacted by legalized gambling and urged officials to ensure transparency in the licensing process to prevent conflicts of interest.

According to the proposed bill, a license for operating an entertainment complex would be valid for up to 30 years, requiring operators to pay a registration fee of 5 billion baht along with an annual fee of 1 billion baht.

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, voiced skepticism about the projects’ ability to significantly enhance the country’s long-term competitiveness.

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