Thailand Picks Potential location for Would-Be Casino Resort

Nothing is certain about the future of a new piece of legislation that seeks to expand gambling to online casinos and invite Las Vegas-style casino resorts in Thailand.

Although the seminal draft law is currently under review with the Council of State, there seems to be enough political goodwill to make a casino resort happen all the same.

Thailand’s Bangkok Port Flouted as Potential Venue for Casino Resort

The Thai Transport Ministry has already suggested a location for a potential future property – the Bangkok Port, which has been deemed an eligible site owing to its connectivity and general amenities in the region. It is deemed to be a “visible site,” which should help drive economic windfall, which is the government’s ultimate ambition.

The Bangkok Post, a local media outlet that has been following the topic up close, has said that Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri has already compiled a list of potential sites, such as ports and other areas, with more input coming in.

Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has already mentioned the Bangkok Port and the Klong Toey area as a possible site, owing to their size, good connectivity and the yacht marina which could be a great way to lure in high rollers and well-heeled gamblers in general.

Bangkok alone may be looking to host at least three casino resorts of its own. This may appear overly ambitious and it is, especially at a time when public sentiment about the law is souring. Close to 70% of Thais oppose the expansion of online gambling.

A little over 50% feel that the casino resorts are a mistake. However, popular discontent is not uppermost on the minds of government officials who are instead looking to make the project work and deliver its promised economic value.

Geopolitics Not to Play as Much of a Part in Casino Resorts

This comes at a time of increased geopolitical tensions with China, which has called out Thailand for not doing enough to curb illegal gambling operations which target Chinese nationals.

China has taken a dim view of gambling at its doorsteps and has even compelled Cambodia and the Philippines to enact reforms that appease Beijing, which is both country’s largest trade partner and a vital neighbor.

However, it is unlikely China to pressure Thailand over the opening of casino resorts. Lawmakers are hoping that by legalizing online gambling they can stem the tide of illegal online gambling that is presently taking place without any accountability.