Reports coming out of Thailand have suggested that new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra wants to allow seven integrated casino resorts across the country with three $3bn projects destined for construction in Bangkok.
A policy statement details that the three ‘mega projects’ to cost $3bn each will be supplemented by up to four casinos in tourist areas costing US$1.5bn to develop. Casinos could now cover ten per cent of the ttoal space, double what was previously thought.
The report also claims that gaming areas would be allowed to cover up to 10 per cent of total IR floor space.
Deputy Finance Minister Julaphan Amornvivat said: “Our business team is versatile and combines practical experience with academic knowledge to drive our initiatives forward.”
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Sorawong Thienthong, added: “We intend to maintain the momentum in tourism by expanding visa-free travel and promoting domestic travel, which will bring significant benefits to our economy.”
A public hearing of political parties showed that 80 per cent of people supported casino introduction.