A committee managing the entertainment complex project has revealed that the initial locations will include Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, amidst criticism from the public.
Nikom Boonwiset, vice-chairman of the committee, disclosed that the project is focusing on these four key tourist provinces: Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
He stated that the ambitious 500-billion-baht initiative is anticipated to draw at least 50 million visitors a year and generate 40,000 jobs, significantly boosting Thailand’s economy.
Mr. Nikom also mentioned that various international investors have expressed interest in the project.
He outlined that each complex is planned to host a five-star hotel, a top-tier shopping mall, an amusement park, a sports arena, a convention hall, and a large exhibition center, with a small portion—under 10%—designated for a casino.
Nevertheless, Mr. Nikom expressed concerns that opposition has skewed public perception, suggesting that the complexes are primarily casino-focused due to biases against the government.
The bill for the Entertainment Complex was set to be discussed at the upcoming cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
However, the presentation was deferred as the Ministry of Finance is still gathering public input via its website until the end of the week.
Sources indicate that rising objections from protest groups, who have submitted their concerns to Government House, are causing delays.
As a result, the ministry plans to amend the draft bill after reviewing public feedback and then resubmit it to the cabinet.
In addition, Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, criticized the current draft of the bill for its potential loopholes and inadequate safeguards against gambling addiction among youth.
Mr. Thanakorn pointed out that the bill is vague regarding the regulations, lacking explicit details on the number of casinos, the dimensions and distribution of gambling areas, and the guidelines for licensing fees and taxes.
He further noted that the latest draft permits casino licensees to collaborate with other businesses, raising concerns that this could open doors to money laundering activities, particularly through brokerage firms known as junket services.
