On June 10, 2024, Mr. Wichian Kaeosombat, Assistant Director of the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, and his team unveiled an analysis of the economic impact of opening casino-centric entertainment complexes in Thailand.
These proposed entertainment hubs, part of a government initiative, would feature casinos, shopping malls, five-star hotels, diverse dining options, convention centers, amusement parks, and other advanced facilities. By 2033, the Thai government plans to establish these complexes in Khlong Toei Pier in Bangkok, Bang Kachao in Samut Prakan, Rayong near Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Wichian highlighted several potential economic benefits, including attracting foreign investments, boosting tourism revenue, creating jobs, and increasing government earnings through taxes and fees. He emphasized that these complexes could become significant drivers of economic growth.
However, Wichian also raised concerns about potential negative impacts, such as increases in underground economy activities, household debt, income inequality, and social costs related to gambling addiction. He recommended implementing strict regulations, establishing rehabilitation programs for gambling addicts, and allocating revenues towards social and economic development initiatives to mitigate these issues.
Further insights were drawn from an opinion survey conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The survey revealed mixed public opinion on the proposal. While 41.6% of respondents disagreed with the initiative, 19.3% slightly agreed, and 16.4% were strongly against it. When asked about using the entertainment complexes, 51.3% were strongly opposed to visiting, 22.4% were unsure, and only 10.6% expressed definite interest.
Regarding the potential impact on Thailand’s international image, 46.7% of respondents believed the establishment of these complexes would have no effect, 42.6% thought it would tarnish the image, and 10.7% felt it would improve the country’s image.
As for preferred locations, 40.9% of respondents chose Phuket, 17.3% favored Khlong Toei Pier in Bangkok, and 16.6% supported the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in Rayong or near Pattaya.
Several high-ranking officials attended the briefing, underscoring the importance of the initiative and the need for thorough consideration of its economic and social implications.
