As Thailand inches closer to approving a landmark bill that would establish its first-ever casino resorts, a simmering debate is unfolding. While some envision bustling casino floors generating significant tax revenue, academics caution that the societal costs could be a gamble too risky to take.
Thai Academics Doubting the Jackpot from Casino Resorts
For years, Thailand has been eyeing a slot at the gaming table, and with a bill now in the final shuffle, the country looks ready to lay its cards on the table. This legislation, poised to outpace even Japan’s casino ambitions, could see Thailand anchoring its inaugural casino resort soon. But, there’s a catch—a hefty admission fee.
Local enthusiasts wouldn’t be turned away at the doors, but they’d need to ante up 5,000 baht per visit. Foreign high-rollers get a slightly sweeter deal—an annual pass for the same steak. While the proposal promises a glittering array of benefits—high-paying jobs, affluent tourists, and a crackdown on illegal gambling dens—some experts are holding their cards close to their chest, worried that the pitfalls might outweigh the windfall.
Take Chidtawan Chanakul, an economist with a cautious eye on the roulette wheel of regulation. Chanakul estimates an uptick in gambling-related harm and addiction if casino resorts go mainstream.
“A study in the US has found that for every dollar earned from casinos in Las Vegas, the government forks out 3 dollars to fix the fallout. It’s a losing hand,” she declared, drawing up parallels with American findings.
She didn’t bluff about job creation either, casting a critical eye on the government’s employment prospects tied to casinos. According to Chanakul, most casino jobs are low-skilled and would do little to help transition the economy to a higher income tier.
Corruption: The Joker in the Deck
Chanakul didn’t need to roll the dice to see issues; she pointed out the glaring difference between Singapore and Thailand. Singapore, she argued, boasts minimal corruption—a far cry from Thailand, where corruption levels can sometimes resemble a high-stakes poker game full of bluff and deceit.
Backing her up was Nualnoi Trirat, the director of the Centre for Gambling Studies, who echoed similar sentiments. Trirat questioned the efficacy of gambling legislation amid concerns over government integrity and bureaucratic corruption. “Legislation might sound like a winning hand on paper, but corruption could turn it into a losing streak,” she cautioned.
The debate rages on with academics standing firm, worried that the glittering promise of casino resorts could be more of a mirage in the desert than a gold mine for the nation.
