BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the public regarding the government’s approval of the Entertainment Complex Bill, highlighting its wide-ranging economic benefits and urging the public to look beyond the casino component, on March 27. During her press briefing, the Prime Minister clarified that the bill focuses on creating an integrated business model aimed at elevating Thailand’s tourism industry, creating new job opportunities, and boosting tax revenues. This initiative, she stressed, is not just about introducing a casino but about building a complex that includes a range of entertainment, hospitality, and tourism services.
The Entertainment Complex, as outlined in the bill, will consist of a mix of large-scale entertainment venues, including concert halls, an indoor stadium, water parks, hotels, and restaurants. It is expected to generate significant revenue, with projections ranging between 119,000 and 238,000 million baht. The bill was introduced to create a new model of tourism that will help make Thailand a year-round tourist destination, moving away from the reliance on seasonal tourism. The Prime Minister also emphasized that the development of such an entertainment hub will stimulate both local and international investment, with an anticipated annual increase in foreign tourists of 5-10%.
A major selling point of the bill is the expected creation of new jobs across various industries related to tourism and entertainment. The government forecasts that the project will not only enhance Thailand’s tourism sector but will also directly lead to an increase in employment opportunities, which could benefit a variety of sectors such as hospitality, event management, construction, and more.
As part of the plan, the government intends to regulate the gambling component (casino) strictly, with laws in place to ensure responsible gambling and prevent addiction. Prime Minister Ingk assured that these measures would be closely monitored to protect citizens and ensure that the benefits of the Entertainment Complex extend beyond just financial gain. She mentioned that, while the casino would only constitute a small portion of the complex (no more than 10%), the remaining 90% would focus on other forms of entertainment, including large-scale concerts and cultural events, which are crucial in diversifying the tourism offering.
When questioned about opposition from certain sectors, the Prime Minister clarified that extensive public consultations had been held during the drafting of the bill, with over 80,000 participants contributing feedback, of which 80% were in favor of the proposal. She mentioned that discussions with coalition government parties had been positive, with no significant opposition at the cabinet level, and assured that any concerns would be addressed through ongoing dialogue.
The Prime Minister further emphasized the long-term economic benefits of the Entertainment Complex, stressing that the country stands to gain between 8,000 and 35,000 million baht annually in tax revenue, including from the casino. These funds will be used to support further development projects, thereby benefiting the country as a whole. She urged the public not to focus solely on the casino but to understand that this project represents a comprehensive approach to developing a sustainable tourism economy that would contribute to long-term prosperity. Regarding the 50 million baht investment threshold for those who wish to invest in the Entertainment Complex, she explained that this matter would be addressed and discussed further in the parliament.
The proposal has now been sent to the National Assembly for further deliberation, with lawmakers expected to discuss and make any necessary adjustments. While no specific timeline has been set for the bill’s passage, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the project would move forward as a major step in modernizing Thailand’s tourism infrastructure.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s social media team shared a post highlighting the enormous potential of the Entertainment Complex project, which is expected to generate billions in economic impact and elevate Thailand’s position as a global tourist destination. The post emphasized that this project is a unique opportunity to revitalize the tourism sector and boost Thailand’s economic growth in the coming years.
