• Thailand proposes stringent entry requirements for local gamblers in a new casino draft regulation.
• To enter casinos, Thai nationals must have 50 million baht ($1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months.
• The entry fee will be capped at 5,000 baht ($150), limiting access largely to upper-middle-class and wealthy citizens.
• These measures aim to attract foreign investment and boost tourism, but face public opposition.
• Public hearings for the draft law are scheduled between February 15 and March 1.

Thailand is taking significant steps to build a major gaming industry aimed at boosting tourism by introducing stringent entry requirements for local gamblers, as outlined in a new draft regulation. Under the proposed rules, Thai nationals will need to maintain a minimum of 50 million baht (approximately $1.5 million) in fixed deposits for at least six months to gain access to casinos. Additionally, an entry fee capped at 5,000 baht ($150) is set to further limit access to the facilities. This could effectively exclude large portions of the population, particularly in a country where the average per capita GDP is about $7,300, as highlighted by government data. Most forms of gambling remain illegal in Thailand, yet illicit betting practices are widespread. Analysts suggest that local casino players represent a critical demographic for foreign investors, who are keeping a close eye on the details of the proposed regulations. According to a report from Citi late last year, it was estimated that about half of the Thai population aged 20 and over could potentially be casino players, indicating a lucrative opportunity for the industry to solidify Thailand's position as the third-largest gambling destination worldwide. The high entry fee of 5,000 baht is expected to restrict access to only the wealthiest Thai citizens. *“A further 50 million baht bank deposit requirement would render Thai casinos no better than foreigner-only regimes like South Korea’s,”* commented Daniel Cheng, a gaming consultant based in Singapore. Fresh public hearings regarding the new draft law are scheduled to occur between February 15 and March 1. Following these hearings, the draft will require cabinet approval before it can be sent to parliament for further consideration. Currently, Thailand permits limited forms of gambling such as state-controlled horse racing, the lottery, and betting on certain sports like boxing. While several Southeast Asian countries have legalized casinos, only a few, notably Singapore, have successfully attracted major international gaming corporations due to their stringent regulations. The Thai government, led by the populist Pheu Thai party, is optimistic about procuring at least 100 billion baht (approx. $3 billion) in new investments, which they believe could boost annual foreign arrivals by 5% to 10% and generate revenues exceeding 12 billion baht annually. Despite these ambitions, public sentiment appears to be against the casino initiative. Recent polls indicate that a majority of Thai citizens are opposed to the casino plan, with some political factions arguing that establishing a gambling industry could exacerbate social problems. For further details, refer to the reports by Bangkok Post, Reuters, and South China Morning Post.