National—
On March 24th, Mr. Chris Cherdsuriya, Chief Advisor to the Executive Board of Honor Group, a Pattaya-based real estate and hotel operator, publicly revealed his support for legalizing casinos in Thailand as a part of entertainment complexes including various activities and services.
Previously, the Thai standing committee considered opening a full-service entertainment complex aimed at tackling illegal gambling and boosting the national economy. If the parliament approves the draft, it will be forwarded to the Thai Cabinet for consideration following procedures.
The legalization proposal was for casino-designated zones in entertainment complexes that were within 100 kilometers of Don Mueang Airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and U-tapao Airport, in 17 provinces in central and east Thailand, 22 provinces in main tourist attractions, and 22 provinces on the Thai border, according to Thai national media.
Moreover, it was reported that the entertainment complexes would be allowing 12 business types including comprehensive department stores, five-star hotels, restaurants and bars, convention centers, and other locations.
Chris publicly stated that the legalization of casinos would boost the Thai economy and generate income for the country. He believed that Pattaya City was among the zones that could have legal casinos.
Additionally, Mr. Sophon Phonchokchai, president of the Thai Real Estate Research and Valuation Information Center, Agency for Real Estate Affairs Co., Ltd. (AREA), publicly revealed the Thai government, in fact, should support the legalization of casinos as there were many illegal underground gambling dens in Thailand. It also added land values as well.
Sophon mentioned the casinos in Singapore were subject to 7% VAT and 17% business tax. However, the casinos in Macau were subject to 35% VAT and another 2-3% deducted for social services. The government could use this massive net income to help develop the country, said Sophon.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
