|
 |
Thailand - April 2008
Samak pledges to legalise
by Robert Carry -
Property Report Thailand
Prime minister Samak Sundaravej has vowed to introduce
legislation which will allow for the construction and
operation of casinos across the Kingdom before the end of
this four year term.
The PM made the announcement upon his return from an
official visit to Cambodia, adding that they would be
sited in-and-around the nation´s key tourist destinations.
The move would be good news for Thailand´s developers by
increasing visitor numbers and creating whole new
categories of residential development.
Samak said the move was necessary as Thailand was loosing
visitors to neighbouring countries that had casinos
already in operation. “Should I complete my four-year
term, I believe casinos will be legalised for sure,” the
prime minister told the international and domestic media.
Pattaya, Phuket, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai, and the Songkhla
commercial district of Hat Yai, have been placed on
Samak´s initial shortlist of potential locations. The
premier added that the move would not liberalise laws in
relation to casinos, but would actually abolish a host of
restrictions and render them legal. However, Samak added
that they would be reserved for visitors and Thais aged
over 20. “The idea is not misleading young people to
gamble because they won´t be allowed to enter the places,”
he pointed out.
However, news agency Asia Pulse reported that opposition
leader Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the Government to look
closely at possible money laundering implications and to
ensure that the casinos do not encourage gambling.
|
|
Return to our latest headlines by clicking
here
Access our archive of previous monthly bulletins by clicking
here
Bookmark this website as we constantly
update you with market analysis from the region and
the widest choice of quality real estate listings. To
receive our regular monthly newsletter, subscribe
here. |
|
|
|
