In a significant policy shift aimed at broadening participation in its emerging gaming industry, Thailand has scrapped plans to limit casino access only to citizens with fixed deposits of at least 50 million baht (roughly $1.5 million).
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced Monday that the draft law will now permit Thai nationals with a three-year tax history to enter casinos, replacing the stringent asset criterion that would have excluded over 70 million people.
“This criteria would not be able to solve illegal gambling,” Amornvivat told reporters, adding that only about 10,000 deposit accounts in the country currently exceed 50 million baht. The revised measure is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the booming domestic market can serve as a major draw for foreign investors.
Under the proposed law, a casino entry fee of 5,000 baht remains intact. The draft legislation, which aims to transform Thailand into one of the world’s largest gambling destinations, will soon be submitted to the cabinet for approval and then forwarded to parliament before the current session ends on April 11.
Thailand already permits gambling on state-controlled horse racing, the lottery, and select sports such as boxing, while other forms of betting remain illegal despite widespread illicit activities. A Citi report late last year estimated that nearly half of Thais aged 20 and above could become casino players, potentially propelling the nation to become the world’s third-largest gambling hub.
The government projects that the revamped casino law could attract at least 100 billion baht in new investment, boost foreign visitor numbers by 5 to 10 percent, and generate annual revenues exceeding 12 billion baht. However, the plan faces domestic opposition; a January opinion poll indicated that most Thais are against the casino proposal, with several political parties warning that a gambling industry might exacerbate existing social problems.
As Thailand navigates these changes, the government remains focused on balancing economic growth with social stability, hoping that a more inclusive approach to casino access will unlock substantial investment and tourism opportunities.
Thailand has closed two tourist border crossings with Cambodia following a military skirmish that raised tensions between the two neighbors.
Tensions are rising along the Thailand–Cambodia border as both nations reinforce their military presence following a deadly skirmish and failed de-escalation talks.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Saturday that the border conflict with Thailand “must be resolved with patience and through legal and diplomatic channels.”
Vietnam and Thailand have officially upgraded their ties to a strategic partnership, marking a significant step forward in regional diplomacy.
Starting May 1, 2025, all foreign travellers to Thailand, regardless of visa status or length of stay, must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before being allowed entry into the country.
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Argentina's President Javier Milei has once again insulted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during a speech in Madrid, a year after a similar incident caused a diplomatic dispute.
Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, firing 479 drones and 20 missiles across Ukraine overnight, as part of its summer offensive. Ukraine says most were intercepted, but concerns grow over dwindling Western support.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israel’s military says it has identified the body of top Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar beneath a hospital in southern Gaza.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
A massive rescue operation is underway after explosions and fire broke out on a Singapore-flagged cargo ship on route to Mumbai, forcing crew members to abandon the vessel.
Los Angeles is experiencing widespread protests, a National Guard deployment, and increased public concern following recent immigration enforcement actions and confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
BBK head Ralph Tiesler warns the nation is ill-prepared for a potential European conflict within four years, pushing to convert existing structures for 1 million people and upgrade warning systems, reflecting new security concerns.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has once again insulted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during a speech in Madrid, a year after a similar incident caused a diplomatic dispute.
Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, firing 479 drones and 20 missiles across Ukraine overnight, as part of its summer offensive. Ukraine says most were intercepted, but concerns grow over dwindling Western support.
Los Angeles is experiencing widespread protests, a National Guard deployment, and increased public concern following recent immigration enforcement actions and confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement.
BBK head Ralph Tiesler warns the nation is ill-prepared for a potential European conflict within four years, pushing to convert existing structures for 1 million people and upgrade warning systems, reflecting new security concerns.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has once again insulted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during a speech in Madrid, a year after a similar incident caused a diplomatic dispute.
Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war, firing 479 drones and 20 missiles across Ukraine overnight, as part of its summer offensive. Ukraine says most were intercepted, but concerns grow over dwindling Western support.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce a major new defence and security investment plan on Monday that will help Canada reach NATO's target of spending 2% of its GDP on the military this fiscal year, according to two senior government sources cited by The Globe and Mail.
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