Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister, Julapun Amornvivat, has confirmed that the nation’s integrated casino resorts will be open to all private investors to participate in.
His comments, reported by The Bangkok Post, follow recent calls by some MPs to have the government operate Thailand’s first casinos itself rather than inviting global operators to take part.
According to Julapun, casino and resort operations will be open to all but he noted in comments to the media that the government must develop clear rules to regulate the business. He added that global entertainment companies such as Walt Disney and Universal Studios are also welcome to establish a presence in the country once the bill governing entertainment complexes is passed provided they follow necessary processes with transparency.
“We need to assess the project thoroughly to prevent negative impacts on the economy and society,” he said.
Julapun also noted that further discussion was needed on the issue of tax collection and specifically which government body would be tasked with the doing so.
It has been proposed that a separate committee or agency be established to oversee tax collection, however the State Fiscal and Financial Disciplines Act specifies that tax collection is the responsibility of the Customs, Revenues, and Excise departments under the Finance Ministry.
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