Only Thai nationals who have maintained a minimum of 50 million baht in a fixed deposit account for at least six months will be permitted to access the new casino-entertainment complex, according to a government insider.
This requirement is part of Section 65 of the Entertainment Complex Bill, which the Council of State (CoS) has reviewed and is slated for cabinet examination on March 11, the insider reported.
Additionally, Thai nationals are required to pre-register and pay an entry fee, the source noted.
Anticipated opposition from government officials regarding this requirement exists, as it could potentially hinder economic growth.
The insider also highlighted other significant sections of the bill: Section 59 regulates gambling within the complex under this new legislation, bypassing existing anti-gambling laws, while Section 63 mandates that all visitors must verify their identity using a passport or ID card.
Sections 61 and 62 specifically prohibit online gambling and the live streaming of gambling activities from the premises to prevent external participation.
The bill was returned to the government by the CoS on February 28 for additional amendments, and its approval by the cabinet remains uncertain, the source added.
Pakorn Nilprapunt, the secretary-general of the CoS, previously stated that such a financial requirement would restrict casino access to well-off individuals and effectively bar most Thais due to gambling concerns.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed worries that this measure contradicts the government’s goals. He stated that the casino-entertainment complex is intended to boost the economy, attract foreign investment, and address illegal gambling.
Julapun argued that imposing a high financial threshold for entry would drive many Thais to continue patronizing illegal gambling venues or casinos across the border.
He mentioned that this issue would undergo further discussion in the cabinet and parliament.
Last month, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul remarked that it was improbable for the cabinet to approve the bill with such an entry requirement for Thai citizens.
