The government may expect all gamblers to show they can afford to enter casinos
Thailand is considering new steps to regulate casino tourism by potentially introducing background and financial checks for foreigners visiting legal gambling venues. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced that the government is exploring ways to tightly control access to any future casinos, including requiring detailed personal histories of international guests. This may involve reviewing criminal records and assessing financial standing before allowing entry.
The move is tied to the broader Entertainment Complex Bill, which is part of the government’s plan to attract more foreign visitors and increase revenue. During her “Empowering Thais” broadcast, the prime minister defended the proposal, stating that the bill aims to promote responsible entertainment while keeping Thailand competitive in the region.
She responded to criticism from those who oppose the idea of legal casinos, saying the goal is not to promote unhealthy habits, but to boost tourism with new attractions. She pointed out that other countries like Singapore, Japan, and the United States have already embraced similar developments, adding that natural beauty alone is no longer enough to drive year-round tourism.
The government insists that these entertainment complexes would rely on private investment and contribute to national tax revenue. Casinos, according to Paetongtarn, would be just one part of larger resorts designed to appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Although the Entertainment Complex Bill was originally set for debate, it has now been delayed until the next parliamentary session in July. Officially, the postponement is linked to more urgent national concerns, such as addressing trade tensions with the US and earthquake recovery efforts. However, some believe political disagreements and rising opposition to the casino plan may have played a role.
The government maintains that it will continue to study the issue while working with coalition partners to find common ground on the future of entertainment-focused tourism.
