LEGALIZATION IN THAILAND
T hailand is on the brink of a significant transformation in its entertainment and tourism sectors, with the decision to give serious consideration to the legalization of casinos marking a pivotal moment. This development is part of a broader strategy to position Thailand as a premier destination for large-scale entertainment projects to attract global tourists and boost its economy. The journey towards this milestone has so far progressed well, and recent developments suggest that the country is closer than ever to realizing this vision. A thriving Asian entertainment hub Thailand has already made substantial strides in the entertainment industry. The country has become a sought-after filming location for major Hollywood productions, including the highly anticipated third season of “The White Lotus.” Additionally, a landmark deal with Universal Studios, NEON, and Asset World Corp has paved the way for a US$35 million Jurassic World theme park in Bangkok. The Thai movie and pop industry has also gained much traction internationally in recent years, while its culinary and nightlife offerings are legendary. These developments underscore Thailand’s potential to become an ever more popular entertainment tourism hotspot. The legislative journey The path to legalizing casinos in Thailand saw some initial challenges and debates, but the recent approval of the Entertainment Complex Bill (the Bill) by the Thai Cabinet in January 2025 marks a significant step forward. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, father of the current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has openly supported the Bill, stating during a recent provincial election campaign that the legislation should be finalized by the end of this year. The Bill under review by the Council of State was released on 28th of February 2025. While much of its content remains unchanged, it features a significant amendment that could potentially drive away international investors. We will delve deeper into this development in the next section. The Bill is now expected to proceed to its first reading in the House of Representatives, likely in March 2025.
The legislative process involves several critical stages, including a detailed examination by an appointed committee during the Bill’s second reading. This stage is expected to last two to three months, with the final vote in the Lower House projected for June or July this year. If approved, the Bill will then move to the Senate, which will have 60 days to review and propose amendments. The final step involves royal assent, with the king having 90 days to approve or reject the bill. If all goes according to plan, the law could take effect between January and March 2026. This will then see the establishment of the Entertainment Complex Committee, laying the groundwork for the licence bidding process. Public concerns and scrutiny While the Entertainment Complex Bill initially enjoyed broad support, public sentiment has shifted as more details have emerged. One of the most contentious issues is the designated area for casinos. Early proposals suggested limiting casino space to five percent of the total entertainment complex, but the Council of State recently sought to have this figure increased to 10 percent instead. This has sparked concerns, especially when compared to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, where casino operations occupy just three percent of the total integrated resort area. A January 2025 poll by the National Institute of Development Administration found that 59.16 percent of respondents opposed the entertainment complex and casino project. Although the survey sample was small, it indicates growing public concern. Thailand’s legal framework allows citizens to submit public petitions to repeal or amend laws, provided they gather at least 10,000 signatures from eligible voters. However, Parliament has the authority to reject such petitions after deliberation. New changes to the Entertainment Complex Bill proposed by the Council of State One of the most significant changes to be made to the proposed law is found in Section 81, which sets out the criteria for Tha i nationals permitted to enter casinos. Under this provision, such
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IMGL MAGAZINE | MARCH 2025
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