Thailand’s former prime minister says casino licences should only be awarded through bidding

Thaksin Shinawatra also said he is confident the scheme will start next year.

Thailand.- Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, has said that licences for operating casinos once the draft bill to legalise entertainment complexes is approved will only be awarded through a bidding process.

According to the Bangkok Post, Shinawatra, the father of the current prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, gave a series of public statements about the draft bill to legalise casinos while speaking at a gathering of his supporters in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom.

He said any interested parties will be able to compete for a casino licence but explained bidders will need to show what they can provide in terms of tourism advantages and tax revenue for the government.

Shinawatra dismissed allegations that some coalition parties were against the proposal and downplayed calls for a referendum. He also expressed confidence that the government legislation would be enacted this year, followed by a main committee that will establish regulations and finalise details before the initiative launches next year.

The draft bill to legalise casinos proposes 30-year casino licences with the option for a 10-year renewal. Complexes would be located in designated areas and operated by companies registered in Thailand with a minimum paid-up capital of THB10bn (US$283m). Casino entry fees for Thai nationals have been set at THB5,000 (US$144). A policy panel led by the prime minister and a regulatory agency would oversee the industry.

According to Shinawatra, each entertainment complex will create approximately 20,000 jobs, with every employee guaranteed a monthly salary of at least 20,000 baht (US$580).

Shinawatra said the casino component would be no more than around 10 per cent of the project’s total area. The type of entertainment complexes planned will resemble those in Las Vegas and Singapore, which also include sports stadiums, conference centres, water parks and even ice-skating rinks.

According to a study by the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO), the establishment of IRs could increase visits to Thailand by 5 to 20 per cent and increase spending per visitor from THB40,000 (US$1,184) to THB60,000 (US$1,776).

Thaksin Shinawatra also said he is confident the scheme will start next year. Thailand.- Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand, has said that licences for operating casinos once…