According to "The National", Julapun Amornvivat, the Deputy Minister of Finance of Thailand, defended the government's plan to develop an integrated entertainment center (including regulated casinos) due to concerns about Thailand's international image.
Julapun refuted claims that legalizing gambling would damage Thailand's reputation. He questioned whether countries like the USA, Singapore, Japan, and the UAE should also be labeled as having a grey economy. He noted that unregulated casinos exist throughout Thailand, posing a greater risk to reputation, and believed that regulation would provide transparency and oversight.
The minister stated that recent criticisms might reflect the personal views of the governor of the Bank of Thailand, rather than an official institutional stance. He reiterated the government's commitment to the project, which has recently been approved by the cabinet and is now set to be submitted to parliament for consideration.
The proposed complex will include a wellness center, hotels, retail areas, and family entertainment zones, with the casino occupying no more than 10% of the area.
Julapan stated that the current government intends to fulfill a proposal that has been discussed for over thirty years.
He estimated that it would take about a year to establish regulatory bodies and complete feasibility studies after parliamentary approval. The goal is to start construction within three years, with an expected investment of over 100 billion Thai Baht.
