Thailand could soon become a key contender as the top Asian casino destination. The Thai government has selected four key provinces, Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, as part of a 500-billion-baht (US$14.9 billion) tourism initiative to boost the country’s economy.
Predicted to attract over 50 million tourists annually, Thailand’s brave new venture has set its sights on competing with Asia’s most lucrative gambling-inspired destinations to lure their own share of Asia’s highest-rolling casino clientele.
Featuring glamorous five-star hotels, shopping malls, amusement parks, and even sporting arenas and convention centers, Thailand’s vision for its four new casino-entertainment complexes is also earmarked to create at least 40,000 new jobs.
The primary driver behind Thailand’s casino tourism drive is to mirror destinations such as Macau, Singapore, and Malaysia, which will bolster the country’s economic outlook.
Currently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is projecting Thailand’s GDP to reach US$545.3 billion in 2025, and many of the proposal’s backers are certain that increasing its appeal to tourists will only strengthen this figure.
Not only will providing world-class entertainment paired with luxury accommodations attract a higher spending holidaymaker, but it’s also a clear attempt to tap into the booming Asian travel market.
However, it’s the casino element that might pay the biggest dividends, as wealthy, high-rolling gamblers from across the region and beyond look to experience Thailand’s world-renowned hospitality in the process.
Local Opposition to Planned Mega Casinos
Nevertheless, despite the hype and excitement surrounding Thailand’s bold new casino-inspired proposal, there is a groundswell of opposition from Thai nationals – with a recent survey suggesting 59% of Thais oppose casino development.
Countering these concerns, Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the special committee overseeing the project, assured the plan’s detractors that “Less than 10 percent of each entertainment complex would be allocated for a casino.”
Still, the government has taken the public concerns to heart. In response, authorities decided to postpone the Entertainment Complex Bill, in part to court a more positive outlook on the project by making conciliatory regulatory adjustments.
The Thai government is also keen to tackle any gambling-related concerns by actively proposing safeguards against money laundering, youth gambling protections, as well as the option for rigorous qualifications required for resident involvement.
Thailand’s exciting new venture into the casino-led tourism drive appears to be well underway and well planned. If this balanced approach proves successful, then it will certainly increase Thailand’s appeal as a global luxury and entertainment destination.
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