Legal casinos in Thailand could be worth more than THB100 billion (US.8 billion) in annual taxes, according to a study from Rangsit University’s College of Social Innovation and cited by GGRAsia.
University Dean Sungsidh Piriyarangsan said the estimate does not include ancillary revenues that might result from a boost in tourism, but does include the possibility that gambling would be open to locals, the Bangkok Post reported. Legal casinos could boost foreign tourism by 10 percent based on results in Macau and Singapore, the study projects.
The Bangkok Nation reported that the majority of Thais back the legalization of casinos due to the potential economic benefits. The report also contends that casinos at home could also reduce crime by helping to create jobs and boost incomes.
Another study by academic Krisada Phornprapha shows that most of those polled within Thailand want to be assured that gaming revenues will be funneled into social programs and that the government will develop a “clear and transparent” industry.
Yet another study by academic Saran Thitirak looked at Chiang Rai residents’ perspectives on casinos in Myanmar and Laos, and concluded that there were “no adverse effects.” The residents also noted an increase in tourism and tourist-related businesses.
Sungsidh reportedly told a local conference that Singapore is a model for responsible legal gaming, and has successfully implemented measures to reduce the negative social impacts.
Despite the multiple studies and apparent approval by residents, reported GGRAsia, the current military government in Thailand “appears to have little appetite” for legal casinos in the Buddhist kingdom. Last June, after a minority group on Thailand’s National Reform Council pitched legal casinos, then-National Police Chief General Somyot Poompanmoung expressed support for the idea, saying it would reduce “rampant” illegal gaming in Thailand and provide revenues that could be spent on education and social programs.
But Somyot was quickly shut down by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who confirmed he had ordered the chief to stop speaking publicly about the matter. At the time, the prime minister said the government had “not made any decision on” casinos. When a legislator suggested the powerful general should face a disciplinary hearing for encouraging casinos, Prayut said, “Which general? I don’t see any such general.”
He squelched hopes that casinos would become legal at any time during his administration, telling the Thai Visa, “No, they won’t. The legalization of casinos will take time. Studies and research must be conducted first.” He added that the decision will not be based on public opinion polls.
Other countries in the region that offer gaming likely would not rejoice at the advent of legal casinos in Thailand. Thai nationals now cross the border to gamble; earlier this month, Genting Singapore Plc, operator of Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore, set up an indirectly held subsidiary in Thailand to market its casino complex.
Currently, Thailand and Brunei are the only Asian countries without legal casinos, according to the website Yogonet.com. Neighboring countries are home to at least 120 legal gaming venues, mostly in Cambodia and Laos.
