Integrated Entertainment Business Bill
| Integrated Entertainment Business Act (draft) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Thailand | |
| Territorial extent | Thailand |
| Status: Pending | |
The Integrated Entertainment Business Bill, also known as the Entertainment Complex Bill, is a proposed Thai law to legalize casinos and gambling in Thailand within integrated resorts.[1]
Background
[edit]Under the Gambling Act, most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand.[2]
The Thai government expects the legislation to reduce illegal gambling, generate revenue and attract investment.[2][3]
Some Thai-language forums and media outlets have reported growing interest from international gaming operators, as well as debate among citizens about the long-term social impact of legalized gambling.
Legislative history
[edit]In September 2024, the Thai government announced it would proceed with plans to introduce casinos, following an online public hearing showing strong support for a "mega entertainment complex" housing a casino.[4][5]
In October 2024, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Bill would be submitted to the cabinet for consideration later in the year.[6] According to a study conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office, establishing entertainment complexes is projected to attract an addition 5-20% of foreign tourists and increase visitor spending from 40,000 Baht to 60,000 Baht.[6]
On 13 January 2025, the Cabinet of Thailand approved the draft Integrated Entertainment Business Bill.[1][7] The Bill will be sent to Parliament for deliberation.[7]
On 27 March 2025, Cabinet approved another draft, imposing entry restrictions on Thai citizens.[8] The draft would require an entry fee of 5,000 Baht and proof of at least 50 million Baht in bank deposits.[8] Additional restrictions including limiting casino usage to 10% of the entertainment complex space.[8] A preliminary reading of the bill was scheduled for 9 April 2025.[9]
Following public opposition and criticism by the Bhumjaithai Party secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob, the bill has been postponed until the next parliamentary session, which begins on 2 July 2025.[9][10]
Provisions
[edit]The Act will require entertainment complexes to be operated by Thai-registered corporations.[3][11]
Another proposed amendment would require only Thais holding at least 50 million Baht can enter casinos.[12]
Reaction
[edit]Former leader of the red-shirt faction Jatuporn Prompan has called for a protest against the bill.[13]
The bill is seen to face opposition particularly from Thai muslims living in Southern Thailand, in part due to resentment of Thaksin Shinawatra and his former government's policies in the region.[14] The Prachachat Party, members of the current governing coalition, has expressed opposition to the bill.[14]
On 9 April, hundreds protested against the bill in front of Thailand's parliament.[14] Approximately 1,200 demonstrators participated, including those from the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand and the ‘Anti-Casino’ alliance.[10]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Thailand's Cabinet approves a draft bill to legalize casinos to boost tourism and economy". AP News. 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ a b "Thai Cabinet Approves Draft Law Legalizing Gambling". thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ a b Yuvejwattana,Bloomberg, Patpicha Tanakasempipat,Suttinee. "Thailand aims to legalize casinos next year in win for global players". Fortune Asia. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Thailand to forge ahead with casino plan". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2024-12-17. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ "Thailand gives green light to build first casinos despite gambling being illegal". 5 September 2024.
- ^ a b Chantanusornsiri, Wichit (2024-10-24). "Casino law expected to be sent to cabinet this year". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ a b "Thailand's cabinet approves draft law to legalise casinos and gambling". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2025-01-13. Retrieved 2025-02-26.
- ^ a b c https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-cabinet-approves-draft-law-casinos-with-limits-local-gamblers-2025-03-27/
- ^ a b Sattaburuth, Aekarach (2025-04-20). "Thai casino bill hits hard wall". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-04-21.
- ^ a b Sattaburuth, Aekarach (2025-04-29). "Casino bill 'a time-bomb'". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-04-29.
- ^ https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-proposes-tough-safeguards-local-gamblers-casino-plan-2025-02-17/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- ^ "B50 million bank balance requirement stays in casino bill for now". Bangkok Post. 2025-03-06. Retrieved 2025-03-06.
- ^ Reporters, Post (2025-03-09). "Jatuporn calls for support in protest against govt gambling bill". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
- ^ a b c "Thailand casino legalization hits roadblock as public pushes back". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2025-04-21.