Thailand has designated Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket as the locations for its first integrated entertainment complexes, which will include casino facilities. The announcement comes as the government advances its plans to legalize gambling despite opposition from certain advocacy groups.
Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the special committee overseeing the entertainment complex project, confirmed the selection of the four cities, citing their status as major tourist destinations, as reported by news outlet Bangkok Post. The 500-billion-baht ($14.9 billion) project is expected to generate significant economic activity, with projections of attracting 50 million visitors annually and creating at least 40,000 jobs.
Each complex will feature a range of attractions beyond casinos, including five-star hotels, shopping malls, amusement parks, sports arenas, and convention centers. According to Nikom, casino operations will be limited to less than 10 percent of each complex’s total area.
The government has positioned these developments as key to strengthening Thailand’s tourism sector and competing with similar casino-driven tourism models in Singapore and the Philippines.
The initiative follows the approval of a draft law in January to legalize gambling and regulate casino operations. However, the plan has sparked debate, with critics expressing concerns about gambling addiction, regulatory loopholes, and potential money laundering risks. The Stop Gambling Foundation has warned that provisions in the bill could allow junket operators to exploit regulatory gaps and facilitate illicit financial activities, according to The Bangkok Post.
Public opposition has been growing, with demonstrators gathering outside the Finance Ministry and Government House in recent days to call for the project’s cancellation. A national survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) indicated that nearly 60 percent of respondents opposed the plan, citing social concerns.
The Entertainment Complex Bill, which was initially set for Cabinet discussion, has been postponed as the Finance Ministry collects public feedback. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the government is proceeding cautiously, emphasizing that regulations, including the requirement for Thai citizens to have a minimum bank balance of 50 million baht for at least six months before gaining casino access, are still under review.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/18/98493-thailand-names-four-cities-for-first-entertainment-complexes-with-casinos
