Thailand has removed the 50 million baht fixed deposit requirement for casino entry, replacing it with a mandate for individuals to submit three years of income tax returns. This amendment, part of the Entertainment Complex Bill, aims to facilitate legal gambling and has garnered both support and opposition from public groups. The revised bill is pending cabinet approval soon.
Thailand has amended its Entertainment Complex Bill, eliminating the previously mandated requirement for residents to possess a fixed deposit of at least 50 million baht in order to enter the future casino-entertainment complex. Instead, individuals must now demonstrate that they have filed three years of income tax returns. This change was introduced in Section 65 of the draft bill, which is currently under review by the Council of State, the government’s legal advisory body.
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira noted that the bill has undergone scrutiny and revisions based on public feedback. The updated draft was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnivirakul on February 28 and has been forwarded to the cabinet secretariat. However, it is not expected to be on the cabinet’s agenda this week, with a submission process anticipated to take two weeks.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the removal of the 50 million baht entry requirement, substituting it with the tax returns provision. He mentioned that maintaining the 5,000 baht entry fee is part of the proposal. According to Mr. Julapun, the Ministry found that only approximately 10,000 Thai accounts meet the previous criterion, which would have compelled many individuals to engage in illegal gambling activities. The amendment has received the ministry’s and the Council of State’s agreement.
The draft legislation will be presented to the cabinet for approval promptly, potentially during the ongoing parliamentary session. Concurrently, protests have emerged, with representatives from various groups, including the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, opposing the bill. They submitted a formal letter to the Prime Minister, articulating concerns about the negative impacts on the populace, the country, and religious values.
In summary, the Thai government has revised the requirements for casino entry, focusing on tax compliance rather than wealth thresholds. This decision reflects a response to public feedback and aims to mitigate illegal gambling practices, as well as streamline access for citizens. Protests against the legislation highlight the ongoing public concern regarding its societal implications.
Original Source: europeangaming.eu
