Thailand is approaching a landmark moment when it comes to the unfolding of its integrated resorts framework. Off the back of a myriad of meetings from a host of key global players looking to expand into the country, a local press briefing by the government has served to elevate anticipation around the progress of the bill.
The fine-tuning of the bill is still yet to be worked out as its development continues and the framework is decided upon.
One of the key elements of the framework that remains undecided is the potential access of Thai residents. In a recent intervention, MGM Resorts’ President of Global Development, Ed Bowers, emphasised his belief that the Thai Government should make a U-turn on previously touted proposals and enable locals to have access to integrated resorts.
Speaking to the Bangkok Post, he stated that the regulators in the country should look to establish close collaboration with operators to ensure the sector can thrive and maximise the economic uplift.
Bowers underpinned the handicaps that come with offering tourist-only engagement for operators looking to build a footprint in the market.
The sentiment of Bowers comes at a positive time for the Government as it looks to mitigate criticism from some political corners over the potential impact of the legalisation of the casino sector in Thailand.
These included calls from the special committee tasked with debating the future of the bill for a referendum on casino regulation. Any momentum on a referendum would be a major stumbling slowing for the bill’s progress and something the government is likely to want to avoid.
The committee is in the middle of a 180-day study of the Thai Government’s plans to implement an Entertainment Complex Bill, establishing regulated land-based casinos in the country.
At the centre of discussion for the first subcommittee is examining possible adverse effects of the entertainment complex and casino project on society, legal proceedings, the environment, urban planning, the constitution, national development strategies, and the process of conducting a public referendum.
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