Several studies support the legalization of casinos in Thailand

Thursday 25th of February 2016

A recent study has revealed the majority of Thais support the legalization of casinos in Thailand as it would enable to the government to earn taxes, tourism income and create jobs, local media reports.

Authored by academic Krisada Phornprapha, the study showed that most respondents were supportive towards casinos in the country for job and revenue creation as well as to reduce the number of Thais going across the border to gamble.

The study recommended the government to promote the casinos and to educate locals that the resorts served as entertainment and conference venues with other recreational venues, rather than just gambling.

The study also recommended the government set criteria to screen visitors of age and income levels to reduce the social impact of problem gambling and gaming related crime.

Two other studies were conducted, one by academic Saran Thitirak which focused on the impact of casinos in Myanmar and Laos on Chiang Rai residents, the other by academic Visanu Vongsinsirikul which found the resident of Sa Kaew enjoyed job benefits and a decline in crime rate by Cambodians in Thailand as a result of allowing punters to stay in Thailand after visiting casinos in Cambodia’s Poi Pet town.

The three studies were presented during a press conference in Bangkok conducted by Associate Professor Sungsidh Piriyarangsan and other academics.