The Thai government has removed the 50 million baht requirement for casino entry, now requiring three years of tax returns instead. This decision was influenced by feedback from the Council of State and public input. The 5,000 baht entry fee remains unchanged, but several protest groups oppose the legislation due to its potential social impacts.
The Thai government has amended the Entertainment Complex Bill, eliminating the previous requirement for Thai citizens to possess a minimum of 50 million baht in a fixed deposit to enter the planned casino-entertainment complex. Instead, individuals will now be required to demonstrate they have submitted three years of income tax returns. This crucial change arises from feedback and discussions with the Council of State, the legal advisory body of the government.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has stated that the revised draft legislation has undergone reviews and amendments before being sent to the cabinet secretariat on February 28. However, he indicated that the bill will not be presented at the forthcoming cabinet meeting, with the submission process expected to take up to two weeks.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the removal of the 50 million baht financial requirement, explaining that it would have led to limited local participation in the casino. He noted that only about 10,000 Thai accounts currently meet that threshold, suggesting the previous stipulation might encourage illegal gambling activities.
Despite the changes, the entrance fee to the casino remains set at 5,000 baht. Various protest groups, including the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform and the Centre of People for the Protection of the Monarchy, have expressed their opposition to the bill. They submitted a letter to the Prime Minister, arguing that the legislation could have negative repercussions for society and contradict religious values.
In summary, the recent amendments to Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill reflect a significant shift aimed at increasing public accessibility to the new casino-entertainment complex. By replacing the rigid financial requirement with a verification of tax returns, the government is responding to public concerns while attempting to minimize illegal gambling. Nevertheless, significant opposition persists among various societal factions, calling into question the bill’s broader societal implications.
Original Source: europeangaming.eu
