Thailand’s Cabinet is unlikely to approve a proposal by the Council of State to require locals to have at least TBH50 million (US$1.5 million) in their bank accounts to enter the nation’s casinos, according to deputy prime minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
In comments to The Bangkok Post, Anutin said it would be “difficult for the proposal to win the cabinet’s approval” because it would fail to address the issue of locals visiting illegal gambling dens or casinos in neighboring countries.
He also confirmed that his Bhumjaithai Party would, as a government coalition member, support government policies as long as they do not harm society.
Anutin’s comments will come as music to the ears of the international investment community, which has already hinted at concerns over the minimum bank deposit proposal which would if implemented render Thai casinos as largely foreigner-only.
Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State – which has proposed the revised policy, told reporters earlier this week that the idea was to limit casino entry to those with substantial financial means.
The revised entertainment complex bill is currently welcoming its second round of public feedback but will also need further cabinet approval if latest policy revisions are to progress.
Anutin confirmed Thursday that the newly proposed US$1.5 million entry requirement for locals would be discussed at a cabinet meeting.
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