Bring on the casinos, many say

[reader]

From Bangkok Post

Members of the tourism sector welcome the government's policy on integrated entertainment complex development in the hope it will stimulate the economy, suggesting that some laws and regulations be amended to support the cause.

Some, however, doubt whether the project will be worth the impact.

Weerawit Krueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) in Phuket, said he believes it is a good idea to have an integrated complex that includes a casino in a major tourist city.

Such a complex should be developed on a full scale with all matters considered, including tax regulation, to draw in investors and increase money circulating in the country, he said.

He sees Phuket's suburban areas, such as Thalang district near Phuket Airport, as potential sites instead of a downtown zone.

Bring it on

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said his serene resort town is also ready to support the development of an entertainment complex, part of the government's man-made tourism policy.

However, if Hua Hin is selected as a location for the megaproject the government should consider expanding the airport to take international flights to attract more foreign tourists, he said.

Mr Nopporn said the economic slowdown has affected the town's man-made attractions such as water parks and amusement parks, causing business operators to suffer financial difficulties.

He urged the government to help push Hua Hin as a key tourism destination and bring in more visitors, suggesting the town could house a sports complex and be a perfect venue for international sports competitions.

Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association in Bangkok, said he supports the government's policy to promote tourism via an entertainment complex with a casino, as it could generate huge income for the country.

"If the casino is properly regulated by law, Thailand could become a perfect choice for tourists due to its natural attractions and various entertainment options offering an all-inclusive tourism experience," Mr Sa-nga said.

He said he believes the entertainment complex would be more beneficial if it is built in a secondary city rather than a popular tourist destination which is already beset by international tourists as it would distribute income more thoroughly.

He said revenue from the project could be allocated to help develop other areas of the country, such as education.

Boonanan Pattanasin, president of the Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association, said joint ventures between Thai and foreign investors are common in Pattaya.

Continues at

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan

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Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

[Keithambrose]

4 hours ago, reader said:

From Bangkok Post

Members of the tourism sector welcome the government's policy on integrated entertainment complex development in the hope it will stimulate the economy, suggesting that some laws and regulations be amended to support the cause.

Some, however, doubt whether the project will be worth the impact.

Weerawit Krueasombat, president of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA) in Phuket, said he believes it is a good idea to have an integrated complex that includes a casino in a major tourist city.

Such a complex should be developed on a full scale with all matters considered, including tax regulation, to draw in investors and increase money circulating in the country, he said.

He sees Phuket's suburban areas, such as Thalang district near Phuket Airport, as potential sites instead of a downtown zone.

Bring it on

Hua Hin Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul said his serene resort town is also ready to support the development of an entertainment complex, part of the government's man-made tourism policy.

However, if Hua Hin is selected as a location for the megaproject the government should consider expanding the airport to take international flights to attract more foreign tourists, he said.

Mr Nopporn said the economic slowdown has affected the town's man-made attractions such as water parks and amusement parks, causing business operators to suffer financial difficulties.

He urged the government to help push Hua Hin as a key tourism destination and bring in more visitors, suggesting the town could house a sports complex and be a perfect venue for international sports competitions.

Sa-nga Ruangwattanakul, president of the Khao San Business Association in Bangkok, said he supports the government's policy to promote tourism via an entertainment complex with a casino, as it could generate huge income for the country.

"If the casino is properly regulated by law, Thailand could become a perfect choice for tourists due to its natural attractions and various entertainment options offering an all-inclusive tourism experience," Mr Sa-nga said.

He said he believes the entertainment complex would be more beneficial if it is built in a secondary city rather than a popular tourist destination which is already beset by international tourists as it would distribute income more thoroughly.

He said revenue from the project could be allocated to help develop other areas of the country, such as education.

Boonanan Pattanasin, president of the Pattaya-Chonburi Business and Tourism Association, said joint ventures between Thai and foreign investors are common in Pattaya.

Continues at

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

Please credit and share this article with others using this link: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2866837/tweaking-the-casino-plan. View our policies at http://goo.gl/9HgTd and http://goo.gl/ou6Ip. © Bangkok Post PCL. All rights reserved.

A casino will increase Chinese involvement,  I suspect, and also give greater opportunity  for brown envelopes,  so may well be supported.  The idea of proper regulation  is pie in the sky.