The House of Representatives voted in favour of a motion to set up an extraordinary committee to consider the opening of entertainment complexes, or casinos, to find new sources of income from foreign tourists visiting the country.
Acommittee of 60 people is being set up for the purpose.
Opposition and government MPs proposed a total of 12 motions, with 310 in favour, 9 against and 10 abstaining.
Why are there no casinos in Thailand?
Gambling, other than betting on horse races or the government-sponsored Thai lottery, is prohibited in Thailand.
The prohibition dates back to the Gambling Act 1935. The Playing Cards Act prohibits private ownership of more than 120 playing cards without approval of the government.
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