Members of the tourism industry suggest that some laws and regulations been amended to support the government’s plan on included entertainment complex growth in the hope it may stimulate the economy.
Some, nevertheless, doubt whether the job will be for the effects.
Weerawit Krueasombat, president of Phuket’s Patong Entertainment Business Association ( PEBA ), stated that he thinks it would be a good idea to build an integrated complex that includes a casino in a major tourist destination.
For a challenging may be developed on a full size with all matters considered, including duty regulation, to bring in investors and raise money circulating in the country, he said.
He sees Phuket’s residential areas, such as Thalang area near Phuket Airport, as possible locations instead of a downtown area.
Bring it on
Nopporn Wutthikul, the governor of Hua Hin, stated that his tranquil resort area is also willing to support the construction of an entertainment complex as part of the government’s plan for man-made hospitality.
However, he argued that the government should think about expanding the airport to accommodate international flights in order to draw in more international visitors if Hua Hin is chosen as the site of the proposal.
According to Mr. Nopporn, the city’s man-made attractions, including water parks and amusement parks, have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn, which has led to economic difficulties for business owners.
He urged the government to support Hua Hin’s promotion as a major tourist destination and to encourage more customers, citing the possibility of a sports complex and its place as a place for international sports events.
Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, chairman of the Khao San Business Association in Bangkok, said he supports the president’s policy to promote tourism via an entertainment advanced with a game, as it could generate massive income for the region.
Thailand could be a top destination for tourists if the game is appropriately regulated by the law due to its natural sights and variety of entertainment options offering an all-inclusive travel experience, according to Mr. Sa-nga.
He stated that because it had spread income more evenly, the amusement complex would be more advantageous if it were constructed in a secondary city rather than a well-known tourist destination that is already beset by foreign tourists.
He claimed that the project’s proceeds could be used to fund projects in various areas of the nation, such as learning.
Boonanan Pattanasin, chairman of the Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association, said joint ventures between Thai and international investors are popular in Pattaya.
The city is home to some man-made attractions, such as water parks, amusement parks and reptile gardens, most of them foreign shared projects.
He suggested that laws be in place to control the funding sources and ensure fair competition.
According to him,” The government also needs to support the operators in terms of laws and regulations, not just encourage them to invest,” adding that the government should also improve the transportation system to attract more visitors.
Keep the casino averted.
Thanet Tantipiriyakit, president of the Phuket Tourist Association ( PTA ), stated that while he supported the concept of a casino, it was necessary.
The PTA, he said, doubted if the casino would have a big impact on tourist numbers, especially repeat visitors. He inquired as to whether a study on such a subject had been conducted by the government.
” We think Phuket has a charm that results from its natural beauty, culture, and many other unique characteristics that have attracted repeat visitors from all over the world and helped to boost the economy,” said Mr. Thanet.
He claimed that the majority of the world’s top casinos are located in deserted areas without any natural or cultural attractions, so they needed to create something to draw people in. That was never the case with Phuket.
The PTA questioned the requirement for investors to have a registered capital of at least 10 billion baht, as well as the shareholding structure. How many businesses in Thailand have this kind of capital? he asked, criticising the rule as being favourable to large companies.
” Phoenix’s tourism revenue has increased from tens of millions to hundreds of billions of baht over the past four decades. Many local businesses, especially in the hotel industry, have contributed to this growth by considering long-term impacts.
” The island’s future would be uncertain if large foreign investors come in because they might just take the profits and leave the problems,” he said.
Mr Thanet said what the locals need is development of infrastructure, such as more roads, better public transport, an adequate water supply, wastewater treatment and waste management.
He added that if a casino is set up, there are concerns about social effects and potential harm to locals.
Mr. Weerawit of the PEBA agreed, suggesting that the government put forth precise measures to stop disadvantaged locals from becoming gamblers.
Mr Thanet said that from January to July, Phuket earned 284 billion baht from 7.6 million visitors, with an average hotel booking rate of 82.57 %.
The tourism industry generated 500 billion baht in revenue for the island this year, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT ). This clearly has nothing to do with casinos,” Mr Thanet said.
Ready to move forward
Julapun Amornvivat, the deputy minister of finance, recently updated the organization about the progress of the Entertainment Complex bill, stating that some details are being looked at because they do not comply with the Fiscal Discipline Act.
He added that no one in his ministry has the authority to decide how much money is appropriate for the project, or who or where to hire operators.
However, Mr. Julapun confirmed that the project is ready to proceed now that most participants in the planning process have listened to a public hearing.
He added that there will be a few more meetings before the revised bill is discussed with the cabinet for discussion.