Thailand's Controversial Integrated Resort Casino Plans
Foreign Casinos Exclusively for Non-Thai Nationals Sparks Concern from Deputy Prime Minister, Genting
With global leaders embracing gambling and cryptocurrency as key players in politics, as they recognize the potential for lucrative revenue from regulated markets, Thailand's recent decision to restrict access to their future casinos for most Thai citizens has stirred up a storm of criticism.
This move, met with both domestic and international scrutiny, was announced in a new draft regulation for Thailand's Integrated Resort Casinos (IRCs) by Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government.
The draft regulation requires Thai citizens to demonstrate a minimum of THB50 million ($1.48 million) in fixed deposits for at least half a year in their bank accounts to gain entry to the proposed IRCs.
However, according to the Bangkok Post, Thailand's Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that it would be difficult for the draft to secure the approval of the Thai cabinet, as it neglects the issue of local illegal gambling.
Meanwhile, Genting Singapore, a leading Asian IRC operator, expressed reservations, stating it would be "difficult to commit" to entering the IRC market under the locals-excluded policy.
International Interests and Concerns
The Genting Group, which also operates Resorts World Las Vegas, faces competition from other US casino titans like Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts in their bid for a potential Thailand IRC license. Furthermore, the proposal's demand that the casino area of IRCs limit itself to no more than 10% of the overall complex space could add to the doubts of these potential US investors.
Internal Disputes and Regional Achievements
The criticism of the proposal to exclude the majority of locals from IRCs comes amidst reports of a power struggle between Paetongtarn's Pheu Thai Party and Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party. The Bhumjaithai Party, a major ally of Pheu Thai, expressed concern over the foreigner's-only stance on IRCs, which will reportedly be discussed at a cabinet meeting.
Interestingly, the Thai government made a significant stride last week when it freed over 7,000 workers from Myanmar's illegal scam call centers after exerting political pressure from China. This win for Sino-Thai relations is, however, overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the IRC draft.
Background and Enrichment
Thailand is actively working towards legalizing casinos, with a proposed Entertainment Complex Bill that includes provisions for casino resorts. The bill aims to generate up to $12 billion in tourism revenue each year by regulating casino operations[2]. In January 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved a draft law for legalized gambling and casinos, but it still awaits parliamentary approval[2].
Popular gaming companies like Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, Genting Group, and Galaxy Entertainment Group have shown interest in Thailand's market[2]. However, the regulation's high fixed deposits and local access restrictions pose challenges for these investors[2]. Growing public opposition may further complicate the bill's passage[2]. The Thai government aims to balance entertainment complex development with social safeguards and tourism objectives[1].
- Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government's recent draft regulation for Thailand's Integrated Resort Casinos (IRCs) has drawn criticism due to the requirement for Thai citizens to demonstrate a minimum of THB50 million in fixed deposits for half a year.
- Thailand's Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stated that it would be difficult for the draft to secure the approval of the Thai cabinet due to its neglect of the issue of local illegal gambling.
- Genting Singapore, a leading Asian IRC operator, has expressed reservations about entering the IRC market under the locals-excluded policy.
- The controversy surrounding the IRC draft has overshadowed a recent win for Sino-Thai relations, where the Thai government freed over 7,000 workers from Myanmar's illegal scam call centers after exerting political pressure from China.
- The Bhumjaithai Party, a major ally of Pheu Thai, has expressed concern over the foreigner's-only stance on IRCs, an issue that will reportedly be discussed at a cabinet meeting.
- The Genting Group, which also operates Resorts World Las Vegas, faces competition from other US casino titans like Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and MGM Resorts in their bid for a potential Thailand IRC license.
- The proposal's demand that the casino area of IRCs limit itself to no more than 10% of the overall complex space could add to the doubts of these potential US investors.
- The policy and legislation surrounding Thailand's Integrated Resort Casinos, including the restriction of access for most Thai citizens, forms part of the general news discourse and crime and justice discussions, as it intertwines with politics, gambling trends, casino culture, and the profiles of influential casino personalities.
