Examining the Potential Legislation of Gambling in Thailand: Committee Advocates for Comprehensive Review, Leaving Decision to Parliament
In the Thai Parliament, a committee has convened to explore the possibility of decriminalizing betting in Thailand. Following the completion of their investigations, as shared by the Bangkok Post, the committee revealed that a study has been carried out, indicating potential advantages in legalizing casinos in Thailand.
Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, who heads the special committee of the Parliament, revealed on a Tuesday that the committee had concluded its probe. Additionally, Sorawong Thienthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party and vice-chairman of the committee, mentioned that they would present the findings of the research to parliament the following week. Ultimately, it would be up to the parliament to decide whether to permit gambling in Thailand.
Thienthong highlighted how financially rewarding legal gambling could be for Thailand:
If implemented, it could generate substantial income for the nation. We're looking into entertainment hubs. Casinos would merely constitute a minor aspect of these hubs. – Sorawong Thienthong, Secretary-General of the Pheu Thai Party, source: Bangkok Post
Thailand would incur no financial risk in this venture, as casino operators would bear the costs associated with establishing any gaming complexes. The government would issue licenses, gather taxes, and impose location parameters for these entertainment venues.
One of these regulations would entail disallowing entertainment hubs near Bangkok. Instead, the plan is to develop gambling hotspots in other regions of the country to generate employment opportunities.
Battle against illicit gambling
Despite prohibiting gambling, save for horse racing and the official lottery, since 1935, Thailand boasts a robust network specializing in gaming and illegal casinos.
Unsurprisingly, it appears that the illicit casino operators find this business lucrative. In Phuket, two villas associated with the leaders of a gambling syndicate were seized in November 2023. However, other gambling syndicates persist in the nation.
In an interesting twist, Thailand outlaws residents and tourists from carrying more than 120 playing cards. The so-called Playing Cards Act was enforced alongside the gambling ban in 1935 with the aim of curbing clandestine card games.
Long haul for legalisation?
Regarding the potential regulation of gambling, Thailand has only just begun the process. First and foremost, the parliament would need to deliberate on whether to advance the legalization agenda.
Given that debates about legalizing gambling in Thailand have persisted for years, it seems implausible that a corresponding bill could be passed swiftly.
Germany might consider learning from Thailand's exploration of legalizing casinos, as online casinos in Germany are heavily regulated and restricted.
Despite Germany's strict regulations, online casinos in Germany continue to thrive in the underground, much like the illicit gambling scene in Thailand.
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