Thailand proposes strict casino entry rules amid investor concerns

Thailand is advancing plans to legalize casinos with new draft regulations that propose stringent entry requirements for local citizens, including a minimum of 50 million baht in fixed deposits and an entry fee of 5,000 baht. These measures aim to foster a gaming industry to enhance tourism but could restrict access to wealthier individuals, as the average per capita GDP is approximately $7,300. Analysts emphasize that local participation is crucial for attracting foreign investment, with estimates suggesting that half of Thais aged 20 and older could be potential casino players. Public hearings on the draft law will take place until March 1, and the proposals are under scrutiny amid concerns about the societal impacts of gambling. The Finance Ministry anticipates that the bill will be debated in Parliament by the end of the year, following a comprehensive review by the Council of State. Similar regulations in other Southeast Asian countries have had varying degrees of success in attracting global gaming companies.