Hua Hin one of five potential locations for a casino in Thailand …p

HUA HIN ONE OF FIVE POTENTIAL LOCATIONS FOR A CASINO IN THAILAND

Mr. Udorn said that a casino would likely form part of a multi purpose entertainment complex, with only 20 or 30 percent of its revenue generated from gaming, with the other revenue coming from non-gaming activities.

The complex would likely include a five star hotel, convention or exhibition centre, a department store, theme park, golf course and green space.

Mr. Udorn said the project could generate significant revenue for the country, particularly from tourism, without being to the detriment of society or at the expense of the important family values which are a foundation of Thai culture.

Mr. Udorn said that Spectrum, the independent and non-partisan consultancy group that specialises in regulation and policy of legalized gambling worldwide, has also been consulted on the plans to legalise casinos in Thailand.

Hua Hin is set to be recommended as one of five potential locations for a new casino and entertainment complex.

During a Q&A session held at Phoenix 51 on Friday (July 29), Dr. Saensak Siriphanich who is heading the government’s committee on the plans to allow casinos in Thailand, said that Hua Hin, along with Bangkok and around the Eastern Economic Corridor, Krabi, Chiang Rai and Bueng Kan have all been identified as potential locations for a casino.

While exact sites have not yet been determined, the casino would likely be within 30 to 40km from Hua Hin airport and could also potentially be located across the provincial border in Phetchaburi province. During the session, which was moderated by Phoenix Group CEO John Laroche, Dr. Saensak gave insight into the work that has been undertaken by the committee as part of the proposals to allow legal casinos in Thailand.

Dr. Saensak revealed that the 60 member committee has met approximately 30 times during the last six months, consulted experts and studied casinos in neighbouring countries including in Myanmar, Laos and at Poipet in Cambodia. The committee has also looked at the business models of a total of 49 casinos around the world.

In July, the committee made a formal recommendation that casinos be made legal in Thailand, with the next stage of the process to see the matter discussed in parliament “within the next four weeks”, Dr. Saensak said.

If parliament agrees to the recommendation, the plans will be put before the cabinet in order to set up another committee responsible for establishing regulation.

Also speaking at the Q&A session was prominent local businessman and government advisor Udorn Olsson who said that a Singapore style casino and entertainment complex, such as the Marina Bay Sands Casino would be one of the favoured models for a casino in Thailand.

A casino in Hua Hin would one akin to a luxury resort and would not destroy the image of Thailand or the local area. In terms of a potential multi-purpose entertainment complex in Hua Hin, Mr Udorn said that an area of at least 100 rai would be needed to build such a complex, which would also include activities suitable for families.

Meanwhile, the investment needed for such a project would be approximately US$300 million.

The motivation for legalization of casinos in Thailand is to generate revenue from tourist spending, taxes and investment. It would also help to create jobs across the country.

Previously, committee members have also said that legal casinos could help curb illegal gambling in Thailand.

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FROM OCTOBER, TOURISTS WILL BE ABLE TO STAY EVEN LONGER IN THAILAND

stay in the country for 30 days, an increase from the current 15 days.

Tourists from a total of 64 countries are eligible for visa exemption, which grants them entry to Thailand without a visa.

Some of the countries eligible for visa exemption include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States.

Meanwhile, 19 countries are eligible for Visa on Arrival including, India, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and China.

Following the announcement, CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said the move to extend the permission for eligible foreigners to stay in the country will help to boost tourism and revive the economy.

The news comes after the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reported that over 4 million foreign tourists have arrived in Thailand this year. average of 42,000 foreign tourists per day.

TAT maintains its target of attracting 10 million foreign tourists to Thailand by 2022, with at least 1 million foreign tourists expected to arrive in the country in August and September.

Between October and December, TAT predicts that 1.5 million tourists per month will arrive in the country.

TAT says foreign tourists will generate approximately 625.8 billion baht in revenue, while the domestic tourism market is expected to generate 656 billion baht in revenue.

The top five countries with the highest number of arrivals to Thailand between January 1 and August 16, 2022 were: 1. Malaysia 526,051 people 2. India 395,025 3. Laos 218,043 4. Singapore 213,523 5. UK 193,003

Meanwhile, the top five entry points to Thailand were: 1. Suvarnabhumi Airport 2,287,684 people 2. Phuket Airport 666,475 3. Don Mueang Airport 252,444 4. Sadao checkpoint 179,541 5. Nong Khai 104,156

Good news for tourists visiting Thailand from October.

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved an extension to the number of days tourists are permitted to stay in the country under the visa exemption and Visa on Arrival schemes.

From October 1, 2022, foreign tourists who are eligible for visa exemption will be able to stay in Thailand for 45 days, an increase from the current 30 days.