A revised version of the Entertainment Complex Bill is poised for cabinet consideration next week, as confirmed by the Prime Minister's Office Minister, Chousak Sirinil.

This measure follows extensive consultations with both the Interior Ministry and the Finance Ministry, reflecting the government's prioritization of the bill as an urgent policy initiative.

Central to the revised bill is a policy stipulating that Thai citizens must maintain a minimum bank balance of 50 million baht for at least six months to gain entry into casino-entertainment complexes.

This provision reintroduces a requirement previously discussed but later omitted by Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who had initially suggested an alternative criterion based on tax return submissions over the previous three years.

Despite earlier dissent, the Finance Ministry has reverted to the original bank balance requirement, endorsing it as per a recommendation from the Council of State.

Julapun indicated that modifications to the bill could be made by Members of Parliament once it is submitted for legislative review.

Previously, Julapun expressed concerns regarding the wealthy bank balance prerequisite, asserting it does not effectively address the issue of Thai citizens traveling to neighboring countries for gambling purposes.

He noted that a mere 10,000 individuals in Thailand possess the required 50 million baht, further suggesting that the bill should mandate proof of three consecutive years of income tax payments and an entry fee of 5,000 baht per person.

Economic lecturer Kiatanantha Lounkaew from Thammasat University supported the 50-million-baht requirement, suggesting it could limit the influx of visitors to gaming establishments, thereby mitigating potential negative social consequences.

However, he cautioned that such a policy might not provide tangible benefits to local businesses and SMEs surrounding the casino-entertainment complexes.