Thailand Legalizes Casinos to Boost Economy

Thailand's government is making significant strides toward legalizing gambling, with a draft law recently approved that would permit casinos within large entertainment complexes. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra highlighted the potential economic benefits, projecting a 5-10% increase in foreign tourism and substantial revenue growth of up to 220 billion baht. The legislation aims to regulate the gambling sector, which has thrived underground despite the existing ban, and improve tourism infrastructure. Concurrently, discussions are ongoing regarding the legalization of online gambling, which may also contribute significantly to the economy. The government anticipates that these reforms will not only boost state income but also create thousands of jobs. Neighboring countries with legal casinos have seen economic benefits, prompting Thailand to explore similar opportunities.