Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia, is making strides towards joining the global gambling industry by considering the legalization of casinos. Lawmakers in Thailand have already submitted a draft bill for the establishment of casinos, with plans to launch them in 2027. Despite a change in leadership, the new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has expressed her support for this initiative.
Shinawatra, who at 37 years old is the youngest Prime Minister in Thailand’s history and only the second woman to hold the position, recently took office after being elected by parliament and endorsed by the King. In a press conference, she emphasized the potential economic benefits of legalizing gambling, citing examples of other countries where the industry has boosted the economy. However, she also stressed the importance of implementing strict regulations to address any potential negative impacts, such as addiction.
The proposed gambling bill in Thailand includes the establishment of a casino regulatory body that will report to a committee chaired by the Prime Minister. This regulatory body will be responsible for overseeing and supporting integrated entertainment venues from its headquarters in Bangkok. Casinos in Thailand would be granted a 20-year license and would be subject to a gross gaming revenue tax of 17%.
Overall, the push for casino legalization in Thailand represents a significant shift in the country’s stance on gambling. With the support of Prime Minister Shinawatra, it is likely that Thailand will soon see the development of a regulated and controlled casino industry that could potentially bring economic benefits to the country.