Thailand: The government unveils new gaming blueprint with US$3 billion minimum investment for ‘strictly regulated casinos’

Thailand’s Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Suksit Srijomkwan, and Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, explained at a press conference Wednesday that the “Thailand Entertainment Complex” project aims to stimulate the economy with minimum outlays of Baht 100 billion (US$3 billion) from prospective operators.

The Thai government has previously said that there could be anywhere from seven to nine bidders for the four announced locations of Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

“Thailand is clearly seeking tourism diversification, and this [announcement] is a sign of continued commitment to the Entertainment Complex Bill, which it is hoped will bring much-needed jobs and investment to the Kingdom,” said Rosalind Wade, CEO of Winna Media and the Thailand Entertainment Complex Summit, which debuted in December 2024 in Bangkok with corresponding white papers on the market landscape.

“While international interest remains robust, most are still waiting for the finer details of the bill to be published. It will be exciting to see what happens on 9 July and afterwards,” added Wade.

Seeking year-round tourists to offset the low season (May to October), they said they want Entertainment Complex developments with exhibition centres, big concert venues, amusement and water parks inspired by Disneyland and Universal Studios, and stringent casino compliance security on par with Singapore standards — generating annual tax revenues of some Baht 12.04 billion (US$367 million) to Baht 39 billion (US$1.1 billion).

Suksit doubled down, saying that the proposed ECs would enforce strict anti-money laundering measures, involve strong security, and have no online gambling elements. Investors will be solely from the private sector and may form consortiums, he said.

Julapun addressed investors’ concerns, saying the bill would be accomplished within Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s remaining two-year term, which ends in 2026.

Two separate sources close to Thai business and politics relating to the EC Bill told MNA off the record that whilst the deal was far from done, this news was generally positive — even if standing political risks overshadow it because of tensions within the ruling government coalition of Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai (red) and its partner Bhumjaithai (blue) parties, along with their supporting splinter factions.

“Other than firming up the minimum capital commitment of each potential licensee to circa US$3bn, the announcement really hasn’t given any greater clarity on some of the more critical elements of the EC,” said Ben Lee, Managing Partner of IGamiX Management Consulting.

This entails, Lee added, “likely impediments to locals accessing the casinos, and the number of licences that will be available.”

The Thai Council of State introduced amendments to the bill in March, stipulating entry requirements for local Thais to have a minimum of Baht 50 million (US$1.5 million) in fixed deposits for six months, and to pay Baht 5,000 (US$152) per entry. Certain potential investors have told MNA that this is a frustrating amendment and will create tensions in the vote, as politicians vie for international investors yet seek to balance the overall needs of the Kingdom — including major concerns over problem gambling.

Galaxy Entertainment Group and MGM Resorts International have publicly expressed interest in a Bangkok location, and Thailand’s Transport Ministry has said since January 2025 that it wants to develop the Bangkok Port in Klong Toey for an EC.

No other operators have commented publicly on interests in Chon Buri next to Pattaya, Chiang Mai in the north near the Golden Triangle, or Phuket Island on the Andaman Sea, with its heavy Chinese and Russian visitation and access to India and Middle East markets — just over four and six hours away by plane respectively.

The Thai government has said that 9 July is the next time the vote will be tendered in the House of Representatives.

By Christopher Cottrell in Bangkok