According to the updated Entertainment Complex Bill, as reported on Monday, Thai nationals must have more than 50 million baht in fixed deposits for at least six months to be able to enter the proposed casinos. That figure – about $1.2m – compares to Thailand’s per capita gross domestic product of about $7,300.
An entry fee of up to 5,000 baht was also put forward by the Office of the Council of State, which government consults on legal issues, policy and appointments.
The revised draft also proposes that casinos can make up no more than 10% of the premises at the entertainment complexes. The casino must also be separate to the rest of the resort.
According to The Nation Thailand, the Finance Ministry expects the bill to legalise casinos to be debated in Parliament before the end of this year, with the Council of State due to complete its review on March 6.
In January, Thailand’s cabinet approved a draft law that would legalise gambling and casinos, a move aimed at boosting tourism, jobs and investment. Under the initial bill, at least four other types of business as well as casino must be housed inside the proposed entertainment complexes.
The Thai government hopes to attract at least 100 billion baht in new investment, for an annual boost to foreign arrivals by 5% to 10% and generate revenue of more than 12 billion baht a year. However, some are concerned that shutting out domestic players could now deter potential investors.
Thailand allows gambling on state-controlled horse racing, betting on some sports and lottery play.
