Thailand's Cabinet has approved draft legislation for casino development in four major cities, marking a significant step towards establishing integrated resorts in the kingdom. The proposed bill, backed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, aims to boost tourism and economic growth.

The legislation authorizes entertainment complexes in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Government projections estimate these developments would:

• Increase foreign visitors by 5-10%
• Boost tourism spending from 120 billion to 220 billion baht ($3.45B to $6.32B)
• Create 9,000-15,000 new jobs
• Generate approximately $9.1 billion in annual gross gaming revenue
• Provide $1.5 billion in yearly tax revenue at a 17% rate

The Council of State, Thailand's legal advisory body, has raised initial concerns about:

• Alignment with traditional Thai values
• Effectiveness in eliminating illegal gambling
• Need for comprehensive development requirements including hotels, convention spaces, and non-gaming attractions

Currently, Thailand only permits state-run lottery and parimutuel wagering. The tourism sector, which previously contributed 20% to Thailand's GDP, seeks recovery following COVID-19 impacts. As Thailand's ninth-largest Asian economy with a $520 billion GDP, the casino initiative represents a significant economic opportunity.

The bill will proceed to Parliament following the Council of State's review. Prime Minister Paetongtarn, whose family has strong business interests in Thailand, emphasizes the project's potential for increasing revenue and supporting investment while addressing illegal gambling concerns.

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