Thailand drops $1.5m deposit rule from casino bill, entry fee remains unchanged
Thailand’s government has officially revised its proposed casino bill, removing a contentious requirement for local gamblers to hold a fixed deposit of 50 million baht (€1.3 million) for six months. Instead, Thai nationals seeking to enter casinos must now have submitted tax returns of the last three years.
Ths major amendment follows a review by the Council of State, which advised the government to adjust certain provisions to align better with policy objectives and public sentiment. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira confirmed that the government accepted the recommendation, deeming the original requirement impractical.
Previously, under Section 65 of the draft bill, Thai citizens had to meet stringent criteria to gain entry into casinos. These included registering and paying an entry fee, possessing a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht for six consecutive months, passing a policy committee inspection, and not having any of the disqualifications outlined in Section 64.
Entry fee requirement remains
However, the State Council urged the government to lower these barriers, citing concerns that the restrictive conditions could push gambling activities into illegal markets.
Despite the removal of the deposit requirement, the 5,000 baht (€130) casino entry fee remains unchanged. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat noted that only around 10,000 bank accounts in Thailand hold the now-scrapped deposit amount, making the policy largely unfeasible.
The revised bill also includes provisions to regulate gambling strictly within the proposed entertainment complexes. Notably, online gambling and live-streamed casino games will be prohibited to prevent unauthorised external participation. Additionally, all casino visitors—both local and foreign—must undergo identity verification using a passport or national ID card.
The Thai cabinet is set to review the bill on 11 March 2025, following its initial approval on 13 January. The Council of State returned the draft for further revision on 28 February, and it remains uncertain whether additional modifications will be made before final approval.
PM open for feedback despite criticism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reiterated that the government is open to feedback regarding casino developments. She emphasised that the casino component will be only a small part of a larger entertainment complex aimed at boosting tourism and economic growth. Officials believe these entertainment hubs will play a key role in shaping Thailand’s economic future, though they are mindful of the potential social risks associated with gambling.
However, the bill has met with opposition from various civic groups, with some student bodies submitting a letter to the prime minister, arguing that the legislation would be detrimental to society and contradict religious and moral values.
As the debate continues, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic ambitions with social concerns, it remains to be seen how the government rolls out the plan before the end of the year.
