Thailand has revised its Entertainment Complex Bill, removing the 50 million baht deposit requirement for casino entry. The new requirement focuses on providing three years of income tax returns. The change aims to reduce illegal gambling, following public feedback and scrutiny by the Council of State. Protests against the legislation highlight concerns about its societal impact, as the bill awaits cabinet review.
Thailand’s amendment to the Entertainment Complex Bill removes the previous requirement that individuals must show a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht to enter casinos. This requirement has been replaced by the necessity for individuals to present three years of income tax returns. The amendment has cleared scrutiny by the Council of State, the legal advisory body of the government, for better alignment with public feedback.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira stated that revisions were made to meet the bill’s objectives, with the updated draft signed and submitted to the cabinet secretariat on February 28. However, the bill will not be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting, with an anticipated two-week process before it is presented.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the removal of the 50 million baht deposit requirement, clarifying that the casino entrance fee remains at 5,000 baht. He emphasized that only approximately 10,000 Thai accounts hold such funds, suggesting that the previous requirement tended to drive potential gamblers towards illegal gambling options, which prompted this amendment.
In response to the proposed legislation, several protest groups, including the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, gathered near the government house in Bangkok. They submitted a letter to the Prime Minister opposing the bill, highlighting concerns that it would negatively impact the population, the nation, and religious values.
The amendment to Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill facilitates easier access to casinos by eliminating the 50 million baht deposit requirement, instead requiring tax documentation. While this aims to reduce illegal gambling, it has spurred protests against the potential negative societal impact. The revised bill awaits cabinet discussion and is part of ongoing reforms within Thailand’s gambling regulations.
Original Source: europeangaming.eu
