Thailand will only issue casino licenses under a new entertainment complex bill currently working its way through parliament by way of a strict bidding process, with successful bidders chosen based on the tourism and tax benefits outlined in their proposals, according to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin, the father of current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and still a key powerbroker of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, was speaking at an event in Nakhon Phanom over the weekend, where he also stated his confidence that the bill will be passed within this year.
“The truth is the license will be given out by means of open bidding in which any interested parties could compete,” Thaksin said, as reported by The Bangkok Post. “They [bidders] will have to propose what they have to offer in terms of tourism benefits and tax revenue for the government.”
Thaksin also rejected a call by the opposition to hold a referendum on the legalization of casino gaming, describing it as “not necessary”, and said critics were focusing too much on the presence of casinos within broader entertainment complexes.
“Like in Singapore, the casino here will take up less than 10% of the space in the entertainment complex which will have many other activities to offer tourists,” he said, adding that such complexes would create 20,000 jobs per site for locals.
“It has to leave Thai people better off. All too often, people find all that’s left when they put their hands in their pockets are pawn tickets,” he fired.
The entertainment complex bill was earlier this month approved by the Cabinet and will now be forwarded to the House of Representatives for further discussion. Approval of this stage, The Bangkok Post said, could take as long as six months.
With the bill now well into its parliamentary journey, more regional integrated resort operators have confirmed their interest in bidding, including the likes of Macau’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM China and Galaxy Entertainment Group.
