A group of minor political parties in Thailand has submitted a draft amendment to the country’s Gambling Act that would legalize both land-based and online casino gaming.
The group is led by Chutchawan Kong-u-dom, leader of the Thai Local Power Party, with the Bangkok Post reporting that the group includes all members of Chutchawan’s party plus 20 members of other parties. The draft amendment calls for the development of four casinos nationwide.
The group cites the need for tax revenue as the main reason for the push to legalize casinos, under the proposal in each of the four top tourist destinations in Thailand.
“The draft amendment to the Gambling Act to legalize casinos and underground lotteries is meant to generate income while the country faces massive national debt,” Chutchawan said, according to Inside Asian Gaming.
A House or Representative committee is currently examining the feasibility of opening regulated casinos in Thailand. The committee is expected to submit its report by the end of May. The report will focus on the potential of integrated resorts with casinos on attracting foreign visitation and boosting local economies. Other potential IR locations include Pattaya and Phuket.
