National —
On October 29th, 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornvivat shared the government’s timeline to propose the Integrated Entertainment Complex Bill to the Cabinet by year-end, potentially paving the way for legal casinos.
The project is designed to stimulate Thailand’s economy with entertainment complexes that combine casinos, hotels, sports facilities, restaurants, nightlife, amusement parks, shopping, and more. Despite the heavy focus on casinos in the media, they can legally only be ten percent of the overall entertainment complex under the current proposed regulations.
To qualify, interested investors must have at least 10 billion baht in registered capital, and licenses will be issued for 30 years, renewable for 10-year periods, with a 5-billion-baht licensing fee and a 1-billion-baht annual fee, according to Thai national media.
Among the proposed five locations, investor interest is strong from both local and international firms:
- Nang Loeng Racecourse (Royal Turf Club of Thailand), Bangkok: This historic racecourse, backed by the Royal Sports Complex and four international partners including one from South Korea, proposes to transform a 3,000-rai site in Nong Chok, Bangkok.
- Siam Park City, Minburi: Formerly known as Suan Siam, this iconic Bangkok amusement park plans a 100-billion-baht investment on 500 rai in Minburi, with potential partners from Las Vegas and France.
- U-Tapao International Airport, Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC): U-Tapao International Aviation Co., a joint venture between Bangkok Airways, BTS Group Holdings, and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction, has proposed a 6,500-rai project within its EEC site near Pattaya.
- Bangkok Mall, Bangna: Backed by Mall Group’s Supaluck Umpujh, Bangkok Mall has drawn attention as a prime site for an entertainment complex on 100 rai in Bangna, with strong support from Mall Group’s leadership.
- Proud Group, Hua Hin: Known for hospitality ventures, Proud Group, led by Pasu “Luang” Liptapanlop, has shown interest in joining with multiple partners but awaits government clarity on regulatory conditions.
Prominent global casino companies—including MGM Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, Sands China, and Wynn Macau—have also expressed interest in the Thai project.
Reports indicate that four out of five available licenses have already been allocated, with high-level negotiations underway to finalize site approvals.
TPN media notes however that any law passing to allow the casino portion is still very much in a proposal phase with some vehement opposition from some groups and politicians and is by no means a set in stone process. This would also not legalize gambling outside of the complexes or online.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.