Starting from July 2025, the Thai Parliament is set to deliberate a crucial bill for the country’s economic and tourism future: the proposal to legalize casinos and entertainment complexes. This initiative, promoted by the government led by the Pheu Thai Party, represents a strategic step to revitalize Thailand’s economy, which has been significantly weakened in recent years.
Currently, gambling in Thailand is prohibited, except for the state lottery and authorized horse racing. However, illegal gambling is widespread and difficult to control, creating a problematic situation that has pushed the government to consider a more open but strict regulatory framework.
Economic and Strategic Objectives of the Proposal
The bill — approved by the government in March 2025 — foresees the creation of multifunctional complexes, which will include not only casinos but also luxury hotels, convention centers, shopping malls, and theme parks. Casinos are expected to occupy a limited area, not exceeding 10% of the total complex surface, to avoid gambling becoming the sole main attraction.
The declared goal is to boost the economy and tourism, sectors that are fundamental to Thailand. According to official estimates, this initiative could attract up to 100 billion baht in investments (approximately 3 billion USD) and increase tourist arrivals by 10%. Furthermore, it is expected to create around 9,000-15,000 new jobs, a significant figure for a country where tourism is a primary income source.
The locations selected for the new complexes are strategic: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Chonburi, all within 100 kilometers of international airports, facilitating access for foreign visitors.
Restrictions and Access for Thai Citizens
The bill introduces strict restrictions for local citizens. To enter casinos, they will be required to pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht (about 153 USD) and prove they hold a minimum wealth of 50 million baht in bank deposits. These requirements are designed to limit gambling participation and protect the population, preventing potential negative social impacts.
Originally, the wealth requirement was much higher (50 million USD), but it was revised to allow a broader range of citizens access, without making gambling accessible to the majority.
Regarding operators, casino licenses will be granted exclusively to Thai companies with a minimum registered capital of 10 billion baht. Licenses will initially last 30 years, with five-year renewals up to a maximum of 10 additional years. Operators will also have to pay an annual fee of 1 billion baht and an initial license fee of 5 billion baht.
Political, Social, and Cultural Reactions
The proposal has sparked heated debate across the country. On one hand, the government and some economic sectors see legalization as a great opportunity for economic recovery and tourism sector modernization. On the other hand, strong opposition exists from conservative groups, social associations, and even the Council of State, the government’s advisory body.
Major concerns revolve around the risk of increased crime, gambling addiction, and corruption. Not surprisingly, several public protests against the bill have already taken place, with demonstrators demanding the project be withdrawn.
The Council of State has also questioned the consistency of the project with national tourism strategy, suggesting a focus on an integrated model similar to Singapore or Japan, where gambling is only part of a broader and more diversified tourist offering.
Legislative Process and Future Prospects
The bill must be approved by Parliament — both the House of Representatives and the Senate — and subsequently receive royal assent. This process could take several months and is expected to involve intense political and social discussion.
If approved, the government plans to start constructing the complexes in the selected locations, aiming to attract foreign investment and revive tourism. However, the initiative’s success will largely depend on the authorities’ ability to implement effective regulations that limit the negative effects of gambling and ensure the economic benefits are fairly distributed.
Final Considerations
In conclusion, the parliamentary debate in July represents a critical moment for Thailand: legalizing casinos could open new economic and tourism opportunities but also requires careful consideration of social and cultural risks. The country, traditionally conservative, faces a modernization challenge that could redefine its identity and positioning in the global tourism market.
Therefore, Parliament will not only have to decide on a bill but also address issues of social balance, population protection, and sustainable development.
