Thailand Plans Casinos to Boost Tourism

Thailand is considering legalizing casinos as part of a strategy to boost foreign tourism and economic recovery following the pandemic. This initiative aims to position Thailand as a competitor to Macau and Singapore, which have successfully integrated casinos into their tourism offerings. Industry experts believe that if executed well, the introduction of casinos could significantly enhance Thailand's appeal to tourists and revive its sluggish tourism sector, which saw only 28 million visitors in 2023 compared to nearly 40 million in 2019. Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin initiated the drafting of a bill for entertainment complexes in June, and despite his replacement by his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, analysts expect the bill will still progress. Currently, gambling is illegal in Thailand, except for state lotteries and licensed horse betting, but there is optimism about the potential economic benefits. If the bill is enacted, it could generate approximately $5.5 billion in revenue for the country.