Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said Thursday the newly formed government will move forward with plans to legalize and develop the nation’s first casino resorts after receiving widespread endorsement from a public hearing of political parties.
According to a report by The Bangkok Post, Julapun explained that the hearing was organized earlier this week to give concerned parties the opportunity to discuss Thailand’s casino plans following release of a draft bill last month. The hearing ended with 80% of those in attendance supporting the plan, Julapun is said to have stated.
The draft bill, which was also put out for public feedback in early August, will now be submitted to the cabinet and, if approved by the coalition parties, progress to the Council of State and then to the House of Representatives.
The rapid progress of Thailand’s casino ambitions doesn’t appear to have slowed despite last month’s controversial ouster of former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra was later elected as the nation’s new leader, a move that also opened the door for her father and influential former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to reclaim a foothold in the corridors of power. Thaksin confirmed in a talk late last month that he supported the prospect of legalized casinos as a means of kickstarting the country’s sluggish economy.
According to the draft casino bill, licensees will be granted an initial 30-year license term, reviewable every five years, while there are 10 business types listed that can form part of Thailand’s “integrated entertainment venues” – Department store; Hotel; Restaurant, nightclub, discotheque, pub or bar; Stadium; Yacht and Cruising Club; Gaming; Swimming pool and water park; Amusement park; Area for promoting Thai culture and OTOP products; Other businesses as specified by the Policy Committee.
The Bangkok Post reported Thursday that a proposed entry levy for locals would not exceed TBH5,000.
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