The Finance Ministry is ready to engage in discussions with government coalition partners to advance a casino-entertainment complex project outlined in the Pheu Thai-led government’s policy statement, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat.
Mr. Julapun emphasized that while the ministry sees the casino initiative as important, flood recovery efforts in the North take precedence. The ministry plans to coordinate with coalition parties to ensure a unified approach before moving forward.
He noted that the bill permitting casinos to operate legally within entertainment complexes has garnered positive feedback during the required public hearings under Section 77 of the constitution. The bill is set to be presented to the cabinet later this year. He added that the Pheu Thai Party has not established specific goals for the project, which is expected to unfold over several months.
“For the project to progress, all stakeholders must debate the details. The bill will undergo thorough examination according to the legislative process, and the final version may differ from the original due to diverse input from the scrutiny committee,” he explained.
Mr. Julapun clarified that the government has not yet designated any specific provinces or areas for the complexes; a committee will determine suitable locations as part of the tourism promotion strategy. An independent agency will conduct a feasibility study to assess job creation opportunities and potential impacts on local communities.
Under the Finance Ministry-sponsored bill, a policy board chaired by the prime minister will establish rules for the gaming complexes. Each complex will need to obtain a license to operate, valid for up to 30 years, and operators must pay a registration fee of 5 billion baht, along with an annual fee of 1 billion baht. Complexes will be evaluated every five years, and licenses can be renewed for an additional 10 years after 30 years.
Five locations have been identified as potential sites for the complexes: two in Bangkok and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Six major businesses have expressed interest in investing in the project.
Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the casino-entertainment proposal should be discussed with coalition partners before being submitted to the cabinet. In August, Bhumjaithai secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob voiced skepticism about whether the bill would effectively address illegal gambling and raised concerns about job security for Thai workers.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to meet with business leaders at Government House on Monday to discuss measures for boosting the economy. Key attendees include Sanan Angubolkul, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Kriangkrai Tiannukul, president of The Federation of Thai Industries; Payong Srivanich, chairman of the Thai Bankers’ Association; and Sutee Satanasathaporn, director of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking.
Mr. Jirayu Houngsab, an adviser to the prime minister, mentioned that the JSCCIB has prepared a proposal aimed at driving economic growth and enhancing competitiveness, which will also focus on supporting small and medium-sized businesses and managing water resources.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the Board of Investment, indicated that the prime minister, who chairs the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee, is eager to support the industry and advance the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program.
