Thailand Aims To Outdo Japan With Integrated Resort

Thailand is striving to surpass Japan by opening an integrated resort before 2030. However, legal specialists warn of potential legislative delays, as emphasized in a recent G2E Asia conference panel.

Key Takeaways

• Amidst delays, there’s strong hope of an integrated resort in Thailand before the end of the decade. 
• It comes at a time when online casinos are thriving more than ever. 
• The journey to completion of the resort is a way off, but it is hoped that it could pave the way for a tourism boom in Thailand.

At the Macau conference, the conversation highlighted Thailand’s ambition to become a major player in gaming and tourism, potentially beating Japan to launch its first casino. Lau Kok Keng, a Partner at Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, noted Thailand’s strong desire to achieve this by 2029, ahead of Osaka’s planned 2030 opening. However, he cautioned that the legislative process, which will include a number of public hearings, as well as senate approval, could take up to a year.

In the meantime, there are online casinos for those who prefer not to wait. Casino sites in Thailand are safe, secure, and more popular than ever, says Nick Pappas, a specialist in all things gambling-related. As well as slots, there’s blackjack, poker, live dealer games, roulette, and much more on offer. In many cases, it’s as easy as signing up in a matter of minutes and you’re ready to join the action. 

But for those who would prefer to wait for the introduction of the new integrated resort in Thailand, they’ll be in good company, as it’s predicted to bring a significant boost to tourism. 

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing, with Kok Keng raising concerns about Thailand’s current infrastructure capacity. He also compared the proposed Thai resorts to Singapore’s, noting differences in scale and regulation. Jaewoo Kwak, a Partner at Lee & Ko, pointed out internal government debates about the proposal’s viability and revenue sharing.

Kwak emphasized the proposal’s attractiveness for investors due to a competitive tax rate of 17%, similar to Singapore’s. Overall, panelists agreed that political will and infrastructure development are crucial for Thailand’s success. With adequate support, it could become a leading gaming and tourism hub in Asia.

During the conference, some experts expressed doubts about Thailand’s ability to create a sustainable and attractive casino industry that would appeal to top international operators. 

The panelists highlighted that Thailand’s success hinges on creating a secure environment for both tourists and operators. The government’s commitment to providing adequate infrastructure and addressing potential hurdles will be crucial in determining the ultimate outcome of this endeavor.

While some experts remain skeptical, the lasting sentiment regarding the integrated resort seems to be one of cautious optimism. If Thailand manages to navigate the complexities of legislation, infrastructure development, and operator engagement, it could well emerge as a frontrunner in the Asian gambling and tourism landscape, giving the likes of Macau a run for its money.

Yet, it’s important to remember that the road ahead is not without its challenges. The success of this ambitious undertaking will ultimately depend on the joint efforts of policymakers, key stakeholders, and the tide of Thai public opinion.