Thailand’s Casino Bill Set for Parliament in Win for Tourism

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government aims to pass the bill this year.

Photographer: Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
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Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos is headed to its parliament, putting the country a step closer to realizing a years-long proposal to attract foreign investment and boost tourism.

The draft bill, formally approved by the cabinet on Thursday, proposes that casinos be housed within the so-called integrated entertainment complexes, where they can take up no more than 10% of the premises. To prioritize foreign tourists, the draft legislation also contains restrictions that would effectively bar regular Thai citizens from gambling in the casinos.