Key points:
- Locals must have least ฿50m in fixed deposits for at least six months
- Draft law also states locals would have to pay an entry fee capped at ฿5,000
According to reports, Thailand has released draft regulation setting out the requirements for local gamblers to enter casinos.
It was in mid-January when reports surfaced that the Thailand Cabinet had approved a bill to legalise land-based casino gambling in the country, with legislation being seen by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra as a means to protect the public and to generate more state revenue.
With regards to entry requirements, the draft sets out that Thai locals must have at least ฿50m ($1.48m) in fixed deposits for at least six months to enter casinos in the country. On top of this, there would also be a requirement for an entry fee capped at ฿5,000.
This is, of course, still only a draft and public hearings into it will be held; then the law will need to be approved by the Cabinet before it is reflected on in Parliament.
Good to know: A recent survey in Thailand found that the majority of the Thai opopulation opposes casino and online gambling legislation
While the bill to legalise land-based casinos in Thailand is only a draft approved by the Cabinet for the time being, state-controlled horseracing, an official lottery and betting on some sports are forms of gambling which are allowed.
Discussions have also begun over the legalisation of online gambling.
