Thailand’s long-standing resistance to the legalisation of gambling and casinos looks like it will be consigned to the past after a proposal to create a review committee to look into reforming existing policy passed with no objections from Members of Parliament.
Currently, Thailand legislation prohibits ‘land-based’ casinos under the Gambling Act 1935, limiting betting to horse racing and government-sanctioned lotteries.
The 60-strong committee will investigate existing policies and evaluate the potential of entertainment complexes with integrated casinos to boost the economy and tourism with a suggested 30 per cent tax on licensed premises, which could raise up to 100 billion baht (US$3 billion) per year.
The new legislation would also permit sports betting, online gambling and speculation on the Stock Exchange of…
