Casino Bill to Appear Before Thailand's Parliament Within Weeks
A draft bill proposing the establishment of entertainment complexes with integrated casinos in Thailand is scheduled for review in the National Assembly on July 9. The update was provided by Danuporn Punnakanta, a Member of Parliament and spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, which is a key member of the ruling coalition. The bill is currently on the parliament's official legislative agenda, according to statements reported by local media outlets.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:While the parliamentary process does not typically disclose its complete agenda ahead of time, sources familiar with legislative proceedings indicated that the upcoming session will likely involve a reading of the bill rather than an immediate debate. If the bill moves forward, it will be subject to at least two additional sessions in the National Assembly before it can proceed to the implementation phase.
Related: Thai Government Plans Two Committees to Review Casino ProjectThe draft legislation is part of a broader strategy by the Thai government to legalize and regulate casino operations through the development of large-scale entertainment complexes. The proposed framework includes the creation of a government office tasked with overseeing this initiative. In April, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat stated that the government intends to establish the Entertainment Complex Policy Committee within the current administration's term, which is set to run until May 2027.
The Entertainment Complex Policy Committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister and is expected to play a central role in the licensing and regulation of any casino resorts developed under the new law. Legal professionals in Thailand have noted that this centralized oversight is designed to ensure compliance and maintain government control over the rollout of casino gaming.
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At Least Four Gaming Companies Ready for Thailand
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun also disclosed that interest from international investors has already been significant. According to his statements, more than four major foreign firms have either initiated or scheduled meetings with Thai authorities to discuss potential investment opportunities in the casino sector. Among these firms are Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International, both of which have already held discussions with government officials.
Photographs published by domestic media outlets showed Julapun meeting with representatives from Wynn Resorts. Additionally, images circulated showing Ed Bowers, president of global development at MGM Resorts, in a separate meeting reportedly held with Julapun.
Julapun also mentioned that two other major operators are expected to engage in discussions with the government in the near future, although the identities of these companies have not yet been disclosed.
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