The Legalization of Gambling in Thailand may be soon to happen

[Maniés]

Thai people have potentially paved the way for gambling regulation in Thailand as results from a newly done survey show that over 80% of the respondents are in favor of legal casinos.

The Casino Council of Thailand noted that it is feasible to have five casino resorts across the country. Suggested locations for resorts are Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, Pattaya City, Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani or Khon Kaen and Greater Bangkok. The proposal also includes that only people over the age of 20 can gamble and can prove he or she is financially sound when entering a casino. In addition, the proposal proposes a 30% tax.

Along with predominantly Muslim Indonesia and Brunei, Thailand is the only country in the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) without a legal gambling industry. It is estimated that around 50% of adults in Thailand gamble through illegal channels. Estimates also suggest that Thailand's legal gambling market could be worth $30 billion, possibly split between Thai residents and tourists.