Anti-gambling lobbyists say Thailand’s casino legislation has shifted away from Singapore’s integrated resort model, with too much emphasis on gaming. The Council of State agrees and says it will oppose passage of the Entertainment Complex bill.
The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF) of Thailand says proposed casino legislation is a watered-down version of the Singapore model, light on details about non-gaming attractions, problem-gambling resources and taxation.
Last March, a Thailand parliamentary committee voted 253-0 vote to consider up to five entertainment complexes, anchored by casinos. Lawmakers pointed to Singapore as the prototype.
The city-state’s two IRs – as well as IRs in Macau and Las Vegas – comprise concert arenas, convention facilities, cultural attractions and other amenities alongside gambling venues. They are positioned not only to generate gaming revenue but to boost tourism in general.
Original non-gaming requirements “cut or reduced”
In recent comments to the Bangkok Post, SGF secretary general Thanakorn Komkrit said the draft bill as it now stands “diverges significantly” from the Singapore model. Requirements for luxury hotels, retail corridors and concert halls have been “cut or reduced” in Thailand, he said.
“There are only shopping malls and small hotels. You don’t need five stars and the international convention centre doesn’t need to have (a hotel).… The draft bill is considered to still have many weaknesses. It is not yet appropriate to pass.”
SGF member Wichet Pichairat also scolded Thailand lawmakers, saying: “The state does not have money and does not know how to make money. So they think the income from this casino business will create money for the economy and tourism.”
He suggested that officials instead emphasise existing attractions, including arts and culture and Thailand’s natural splendours, to attract tourism. Wichet called the push for casinos “a covert act rather than an opportunity for the public to participate in real awareness”.
SGF also slammed the fact that the bill does not call for responsible gaming measures or include resources for problem gamblers. “Most importantly,” said Thanakorn, “it’s unclear how much the country will benefit from the bill, as it doesn’t provide clear details about tax collection.”
Advisory body also finds fault with bill
The SGF has an ally in Thailand’s Council of State, which serves the government in an advisory capacity.
According to the Post, councillors say they will oppose the upcoming Entertainment Complex bill. They agree with the SGF that it’s less about entertainment than gambling. The council suggests that the government amend Thailand’s 1935 Gambling Act rather than introduce a new law.
The ministry of finance is promoting the bill as a driver of economic growth. It projects a 5% to 10% rise in foreign tourism if the bill becomes law. Deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat says total tourism revenue could increase as much as THB220 billion (£5.2 billion/€6.2 billion/$6.325 billion). Entertainment complexes with legalised gambling could also create as many as 15,000 new jobs.
Melco gets in line with Thailand HQ
Meanwhile, Macau casino concessionaire Melco Resorts and Entertainment has announced it will open a Bangkok office. Lawrence Ho’s global gaming company now has IRs in Cyprus, Manila and Sri Lanka as well as Macau.
The Thaiger reports that Ho attended an 8 January event organised by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency. “Thailand’s exceptional hospitality and rich culture make it a premier destination,” he said.
Ho has his eye on a licence, but said the company is waiting for final details on “investment regulations”. Two other Macau operators, MGM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group, have also expressed interest in a Thailand gaming licence.
