A draft bill which would legalise gambling and casinos in Thailand took a step closer to being made law today (January 13) as it was passed by the country’s cabinet.
The bill, which would allow casinos to operate within integrated resorts, will now pass to the Thai Parliament to be debated by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both must approve the bill for it to ass into law.
If passed, the bill would allow casinos to open and admit people anyone aged at least 20. Foreigners would be able to access them free of charge, but Thai citizens would be required to pay a THB5,000 (US$148) entrance fee.
It is hoped by some officials that the bill could pass as early as mid-2025.
Like many other Southeast Asian countries, gambling is illegal in Thailand, generally speaking. Currently, only a few exceptions exist, including horse racing in Thailand and a state-operated lottery.
However, despite this, the country does have a significant problem with illegal gambling and the organised crime it helps to fund. Legalising gambling would be a significant milestone in tackling the problem.
In addition, it would help to boost Thailand’s tourism industry. “It will benefit society as a whole in the future,” Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters, according to ABC News.
“This is part of the government’s policy to support sustainable tourism, or man-made destinations, which was addressed in Parliament.”