Thailand greenlights plan to legalize casinos in an effort to boost tourism and create jobs.

BANGKOK - 13 JAN - On January 13, Thailand's Cabinet approved a bill to legalize gambling within designated "entertainment complexes" in a bid to boost tourism and create jobs. The proposed law allows casinos to be established within larger tourism hubs that would also feature theme parks, hotels, shopping malls, and water parks. Currently, gambling is only legal in state-run horse races and the official lottery, while illegal betting is widespread. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that the move aims to generate revenue, attract investment, and tackle illegal gambling.

The bill will undergo further drafting and be debated in parliament, a process that could take several months. Since the pandemic, Thailand has been exploring ways to revive its tourism industry, including relaxing visa requirements for Chinese and Indian visitors. The government projects that the new entertainment complexes could increase tourist numbers by 5-10% and create up to 15,000 jobs. However, the plan has faced resistance from conservative groups in the country, and concerns remain about the potential for organized crime, as noted by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.