Vulnerabilities state policy, it says
Described: 12 Jan 2025 at 05: 48
The future Entertainment Complex Bill may be opposed by the Council of State, alleging it is contrary to law and does not address the issue of unlawful playing.
A source claimed on Saturday that the Secretariat of the Cabinet distributed a round to different companies regarding the costs late last month. The round sought feedback from all parties to help with the cupboard decision-making process.
Due to the government’s planned royal party on Tuesday, the bill’s revision has been moved one day to Monday.
Nevertheless, the Council of State has some important concerns to the act, said the source. The government’s wider plans to promote tourism appear to be incongruent with its narrow rely on extensive entertainment centers as its main concern.
Under that policy, the focus is on developing included tourist attractions, related to Japan’s Integrated Resort Districts or Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, featuring hotels, shopping malls, amusement spaces, and conference facilities. Gaming establishments make up a smaller portion of total earnings. Critics contend that the president’s emphasis on gambling features dissatisfies with its original goal.
The government also emphasized the need for a crystal clear explanation of these leisure complexes to decide whether they will include resorts, restaurants, and other related businesses because these elements are already covered by existing laws.
In contrast, although the costs aims to address illegal betting, the council said the public links complete entertainment complexes with various outdoor activities, not really gambling. Concerns persist over whether the bill would target illegal gambling brought on by poor enforcement of existing laws.
The government has suggested amending the Gambling Act 1935 more than enacting a new regulation if the government wants to legalize and regulate playing.
Furthermore, the committee emphasized that the Finance Ministry needs to set out the bill’s goals so that the cabinet can assess its suitability.
The key provisions of the Entertainment Complex Bill include requirements for licensing for operating gambling facilities primarily in entertainment centers.
Advertising or promotions that target gambling activities are prohibited under licenses, which also responsibility certain quotas for Thai and international employees. Anyone under the age of 20, unregulated Thai citizens, and members of some other groups considered disqualified would be denied entry.
The act also outlines the business types ready to perform under this model, including shopping stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, sports venues, liquid parks and entertainment facilities. Game licensing fees are set at 100, 000 ringgit for software, with original licensing costing 5 billion ringgit and monthly leases priced at 1 billion ringgit. To enter casinos, Thai citizens must pay a 5, 000 baht entrance fee per visit.
The Finance Ministry is promoting the bill as an economic driver, projecting increased tourism revenue of up to 475.5 billion baht annually, with 9, 000–15, 300 new jobs created and government revenue gains of 12–39 billion baht per year.