Weeks after Thailand’s Cabinet approved a draft bill legalising casinos to boost tourism and the sluggish economy, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said he had discussed the proposal with the Council of State for integrated entertainment complexes that would include a casino. He expects the bill to be submitted to the House for consideration within the current session, which runs until mid-April.

Julapun said he met the Council of State’s special committee last Thursday to present details of the draft bill. “It was good. They gave me some useful opinions, particularly their perspectives on the law,” he said.

According to a report by The Bangkok Post, the discussions covered draft guidelines requiring operators to develop entertainment complexes integrating multiple types of businesses, including casinos, to attract investment, boost tourism, increase visitor spending in Thailand, create employment, and help regulate illegal gambling activities.

He proposed that representatives from the executive branch should join the Council of State in future discussions. Two deputy secretaries to the prime minister, Suksit Srichomkwan and Chattarin Chanhom, have been appointed to attend every meeting to ensure the principles and vision of the entertainment complexes are preserved.

Julapun stated that some media and members of the public have inaccurately compared the project to traditional gambling establishments or casinos in neighboring countries. He further emphasised that Thailand’s entertainment complexes are modeled after those in Singapore and the United States, aiming to attract investment and serve as a turning point for the country’s economic growth.

Reflecting on Thailand’s economic trajectory, he said that 30 years ago, growth averaged 10%, declining to 5% two decades ago, and just 2% over the past decade. The government aims to raise growth to 2.7–2.8% initially and achieve a sustainable 5% average, with the entertainment complexes playing a crucial role in this effort.

Asked about opposition reflected in a National Institute of Development Administration survey, Julapun said public hearings had already been conducted, showing 80% public approval for the project. He urged the media to differentiate between the entertainment complexes and online gambling.

The draft casino bill, approved by Thailand’s Cabinet earlier this month, is currently under review by the Council of State before progressing to the House for further deliberation.

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