Thailand's government is progressing with the Entertainment Complex Bill, a legislative proposal to legalize casinos within designated entertainment complexes.

The initiative seeks to enhance tourism and stimulate economic growth.

The draft bill, currently under its second review by the Council of State, is open for public feedback until March 1, 2025. Following this period, officials plan to present the draft to the Cabinet within 50 days.

The proposed legislation includes stringent measures to regulate local participation in gambling activities.

Thai nationals wishing to enter the casinos would be required to have a minimum of 50 million baht in fixed deposits for six months and pay an entry fee of up to 5,000 baht.

These provisions aim to limit gambling to individuals with substantial financial means, addressing concerns about potential social issues.

In contrast, foreign visitors would need to be at least 20 years old to access the casinos.

The bill also stipulates that gambling areas within the entertainment complexes must not exceed 10% of the total venue size, ensuring that casinos remain a component rather than the focal point of these establishments.

The government emphasizes that the primary objective of the entertainment complexes is to serve as man-made tourism attractions, with gambling being a supplementary feature.

Despite the potential economic benefits, the proposal has sparked public debate.

A recent poll by the National Institute of Development Administration found that 59% of respondents opposed the establishment of entertainment complexes with casinos.

The government maintains that the final decision rests with its authorities, regardless of public disagreements.

The Entertainment Complex Bill is part of a broader strategy to formalize and regulate gambling activities in Thailand, aiming to curb illegal operations and generate additional state revenue.

The final draft is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval next month.