Casino report wins cabinet endorsement

Casino report wins cabinet endorsement
When authorities raided an illegal casino in Nonthaburi state in November of last year, a cashier was waiting for punters there. ( Immigration Bureau photo courtesy )

The government approved a particular House council report on Tuesday that would legalize entertainment complexes in Thailand along with casinos.

Additionally, the Ministry of Finance was given the task of carrying out an extra study to determine whether the purchase was feasible.

Deputy government spokeswoman, Kenika Ounjit, said the entertainment complex project is one of the key elements in the government’s “fun economy” sector, which includes tourism, sports, entertainment venues and MICE ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions ) businesses.

She claimed that the industry has already benefited the nation’s business because it has been expanding consistently.

Ms. Kenika cited the research report from the House committee, saying that the proposed pleasure intricate scheme would probably increase Thailand’s taxes revenue and, in turn, make it easier for the government to assist a wider range of people.

However, she said, it will need to be done for public hearings and cooperation to determine whether the authorities may deal with the proposed casino proposal.

The cupboard also reaffirmed the government’s recommendation that it should not be the project’s ultimate financier, as this could result in additional fiscal burdens. She said it would be best to have shared investments with various personal partners and give them a concessionaire in exchange.

Another idea from the government was regarding the location of a movie complex. She said it should not be far from an international airport to welcome foreign tourists.

Moreover, a” casino income” should be created and imposed on the game company, she said.

The cabinet also noted that a particular government body should be established to address potential adverse effects of the proposed entertainment complex, and that a certain law should be passed to immediately regulate this innovative business, according to Ms. Kenika.

A sizable number of academics at universities reacted strongly to the House committee’s statement on the proposed casino legalization on Tuesday.

The group of academics, primarily from Chulalongkorn University, issued a speech outlining the dangers of legalizing gambling in Thailand.

The academics claimed they disagreed with the House committee’s claim that the government’s efforts to promote gambling were a part of the economy’s efforts, and that because it does not produce any monetary products, gambling has never been accepted by economists as a form of business.