Thailand Advances Plans to Legalize Casinos and Online Gambling

The Thai government aims to boost tourism and economic growth with a draft bill legalizing casinos and exploring online gambling regulation.

Thailand's cabinet approved a draft bill to legalize casinos within entertainment complexes featuring hotels, malls, and theme parks.
The legislation seeks to address illegal gambling, generate state revenue, and attract foreign investment to revitalize the economy.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a key supporter of the reforms, advocates for regulating online gambling and integrating cryptocurrency into financial systems.
The proposed casinos would require Thai citizens to pay an entrance fee, while foreign visitors would have free access, with strict age restrictions in place.
The draft bill will undergo further review and parliamentary debate, with no specific timeline or locations for casino development announced yet.