Mon Jan 13 09:08:39 UTC 2025: ## Thailand Moves to Legalize Gambling in Bid to Boost Tourism
**Bangkok, Thailand** – Thailand’s cabinet approved a bill on Monday to legalize casino gambling within designated entertainment complexes, aiming to revitalize the nation’s tourism sector and create jobs. The move comes despite strong opposition from conservative forces in the predominantly Buddhist country.
The proposed law would allow casinos to operate alongside theme parks, water parks, hotels, and shopping malls in specially designated tourism zones. Currently, gambling is restricted to state-run lotteries and horse racing, with widespread illegal betting prevalent.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated the objectives are to increase government revenue, attract foreign investment, and curb illegal gambling activities. The bill will now undergo further drafting before parliamentary debate and a vote, a process expected to take several months.
The government hopes the initiative will increase tourist numbers by 5-10 percent and generate up to 15,000 new jobs, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. The specific locations and construction timetable for these entertainment complexes remain unannounced.
This decision follows Thailand’s post-pandemic efforts to boost tourism, including easing visa requirements for Chinese and Indian travelers. However, the legalization of gambling has faced significant resistance from conservative groups. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for money laundering, mirroring warnings from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime about the role of Southeast Asian casinos in organized crime.
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