Last week, the government moved forward with a significant economic initiative by approving the legalization of casinos under the guise of an “entertainment complex.” Critics intensified their opposition after former premier Thaksin Shinawatra suggested legalizing online gambling to draw underground operations into the formal tax system, potentially generating 100 billion baht annually.
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is currently collecting data from stakeholders to formulate effective regulations for online gambling. Civil society groups have expressed concern that the liberalization, as part of the entertainment complex, could lead to serious social consequences without strict regulatory controls. There are fears that benefits will skew toward a small group of investors, outweighing the overall societal costs.
Despite a cabinet-approved draft law for legalizing gambling already in place, stakeholders like Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn of the Association of Thai Travel Agents emphasize the need for careful regulation, especially regarding enforcement against illegal gambling.
Supporters of the initiative, such as Sanan Angubolkul from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, argue that the entertainment complex is primarily aimed at boosting tourism and should be carefully weighed for its impacts on society. Studies show that successful entertainment complexes in other countries, like Singapore, can significantly enhance economic growth.
The Fiscal Policy Office anticipates that constructing an entertainment complex could contribute to the GDP and create numerous jobs. Economists like Amonthep Chawla from CIMB Thai Bank see potential for increased tax revenues by legalizing underground businesses, which would also stabilize the economy and minimize risks related to youth gambling and crime.
Industry leaders highlight the necessity of creating man-made attractions to enhance tourism beyond natural resources. Calls for situating the complex in less crowded areas, particularly the Northeast, are being discussed to promote balanced economic development.
Overall, while the initiative presents opportunities for economic stimulation and tourism growth, stakeholders insist on stringent regulations to mitigate potential social harms.