The district in Tak is currently discussing plans to open an entertainment complex - which would include a casino - along the border with Myanmar, competing with a similar complex that opened in Myawaddy on Myanmar's side.
In his capacity as a member of a committee studying the feasibility of opening such a complex, former Democrat MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat Thepthai Senapong said Mae Sot’s infrastructure is perfect for the project, due to improvements in the district’s cargo transport and immigration checkpoints.
The district’s transport infrastructure has also improved, which includes a newly built four-lane road connecting the border with Muang district, as well as an upgrade in Mae Sot airport to receive international visitors.
Thepthai, however, noted that there are a number of outstanding issues that still need to be addressed in order to continue with the project, primarily the fact that most of the land in the district is owned by the state. This means that there is little incentive for investment as investors will not be able to own the land.
Moreover, most of the land is expensive, meaning the cost of the project will rise.
But some residents have already expressed interest in the proposal, with positives such as an increase in jobs and the attraction of foreign visitors, thus bringing in additional revenue to the country.
The project is aimed at both developing an economic corridor along the border and curbing illegal gambling.
