Thailand is in line to get some big new casinos, approved by the government even though gambling is illegal under Thai law.
The action is not a complete surprise; the last few Thai cabinets have supported the idea, arguing that there’s lots of money to be made from gambling, and it is currently being made by illegal operators and legal operations in neighboring countries.
The government recently held an online public hearing on a bill that would create a “mega entertainment complex” including a casino and says that 80% of participants agreed with the plan. A bill to change the law is now being drafted.
Among the strongest advocates of the casino plan is a former Prime Minister whose daughter now holds the office. If built, the casino would compete with gambling sites in Cambodia, Singapore, Myanmar and the Philippines.
