Council of State Opposes Controversial Entertainment Complex Bill
PUBLISHED : 12 Jan 2025 at 05:48
The Council of State is set to oppose the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, arguing it contravenes government policy while failing to address the pressing issue of illegal gambling. Sources indicated that the Secretariat of the Cabinet distributed a circular to various agencies last month, seeking feedback from stakeholders ahead of the cabinet’s decision.
In a notable move, the review of the bill has been rescheduled to Monday, one day earlier than planned, as the government prepares for a royal celebration on Tuesday.
There are significant concerns from the Council of State regarding the bill’s limited focus on comprehensive entertainment centers, which seems at odds with the government’s broader tourism promotion strategies. Current policies emphasize the creation of integrated tourist attractions akin to Japan’s Integrated Resort Districts or Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, which incorporate hotels, shopping malls, and various entertainment venues, with gambling facilities contributing only a small percentage to overall revenue. Critics argue that the bill’s emphasis on gambling overlooks its intended goals.
The Council also underscored the necessity for a clear definition of entertainment complexes, as this will help clarify whether they will encompass hotels, restaurants, and other related businesses already governed by existing regulations.
Moreover, while the bill claims to combat illegal gambling, the Council pointed out that the public often associates comprehensive entertainment complexes with a wide range of leisure activities, rather than gambling alone. There are lingering doubts about whether the proposed legislation would effectively curb unauthorized gambling due to inadequate enforcement of existing laws.
If the government aims to legalize and regulate gambling, the Council suggested altering the Gambling Act of 1935 instead of introducing new legislation.
Furthermore, it is vital for the Finance Ministry to elucidate the bill’s objectives, enabling the cabinet to assess its suitability effectively.
The Entertainment Complex Bill contains key provisions mandating licensing for gambling facilities solely within entertainment centers. Licenses will require specific quotas for Thai and foreign employees and prohibit marketing or promotion of gambling activities. Entry will be restricted for individuals under 20, unregistered Thai citizens, and certain other excluded groups.
Eligible business types to operate under this legislative framework include shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, sports venues, water parks, and gaming facilities. The licensing process entails application fees of 100,000 baht, initial licenses at 5 billion baht, and annual renewal fees of 1 billion baht. Thai citizens will also be subject to a 5,000 baht entry fee per visit to casinos.
The Finance Ministry advocates for the bill as a catalyst for economic growth, projecting tourism revenue increases of up to 475.5 billion baht annually, alongside the creation of 9,000 to 15,300 new jobs and government revenue increases of 12 to 39 billion baht each year.
