For the information of the Israelis: Thailand will open casinos to bring back the tourists
But wait with the plane tickets - this is a lengthy process, which involves quite a bit of hassle.
In any case, it is expected that the one who will become the casino capital of the country will be the island of Phuket
Voila system!
tourism
11/08/2022
Thursday, August 11, 2022, 08:18 Updated: 08:24
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Twitter
Share by email
Share in general
Comments
Comments
"Andamanda" water park in Phuket (photo: official website)
It seems that in Thailand no idea is ruled out in order to revive the tourism industry, after the severe damage it suffered during the corona epidemic.
For example, the authorities in the country recently adopted the policy of not criminalizing cannabis possession.
Now, plans are being made in Thailand to approve the operation of casinos.
Thailand has opened up to tourists, so get the updated guide for Israelis
. Last month, a recommendation was received in the Thai parliament for the government to establish what were called "entertainment complexes", including legal casinos, in major cities in the country.
Last month, a recommendation was received in the Thai parliament to establish legal casinos (Photo: ShutterStock)
Thailand fears being left behind
At this time, there is a tremendous flow of investment in tourism infrastructure all over Southeast Asia, and this will continue in the coming years, especially in growing markets with high tourism potential, such as Indonesia, Vietnam and more.
Gary Bowerman, CEO of the research company Check-in Asia, which specializes in tourism in Asia, explains that due to these huge investments, there is a fear in Thailand of being left behind.
"Thailand wants to show that it can diversify its tourism industry to attract new investors," he says.
"There is intense competition designed to entice investors and tourists to help rebuild economies throughout the region. This will be a key part of the region's economic narrative in the coming years."
All this, against the background of the fact that the integrated resort market - which brings together hotels, casinos, convention centers, restaurants, entertainment shows, luxury retail and attractions - is already quite crowded throughout Asia.
However, a destination like Macau - which is considered the casino capital of Asia - still imposes many restrictions on the entry of tourists into its territory, as part of China's strict expansion policy.
And this is precisely the opportunity for other countries in Asia to develop the field of gambling.
More in Walla!
This city is much more than the "Las Vegas" of the Far East
In partnership with Pegasus
More in Walla!
Working to establish a casino in Eilat: the move that will start tourism?
"Gamble, eat and have sex": the gambling route of the Israeli tourist
Are you entitled to a disabled ticket and can't get it?
This is the solution
Thailand fears being left behind Indonesia, Vietnam and other Asian countries.
Bangkok (Photo: Giphy)
Considered the casino capital of Asia.
Macau city, China (Photo: ShutterStock)
Don't learn from Vietnam and South Korea
"Combined casino resorts can be an excellent tool for tourism, as long as they are considered as an accessory and not the cause itself," says Alan Winsky, CEO of Gaming USA Corporation, which specializes in casinos.
According to him, while Singapore - with only two integrated resorts - may be the model The best way to do it right is that South Korea and Vietnam are opposite examples of the wrong way to do it. Vietnam has made investors spend two billion dollars on each resort, and it doesn't allow locals to gamble. Their locations were also chosen to attract tourists. Also South Korea only allows foreigners to gamble. These two countries have seen nothing but losses from these resorts."
However, Thailand may depend on its great popularity among Chinese travelers, but on the other hand - these travelers come there for many other reasons, and there is no guarantee that the resorts combined with casinos will actually be able to attract them en masse.
In addition, China has stated very strongly that it prohibits its citizens from gambling abroad.
More in Walla!
Ruining the vacation: why are the Chinese the worst tourists in the world?
To the full article
Up to five casino sites will be established in Thailand (Photo: ShutterStock)
"Phuket will be a strong candidate for the establishment of legal casinos" (Photo: surfers' photos, OLO - Only Live Once)
Among the nominations: Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Phuket
The establishment of an integrated resort entails a massive and prolonged investment of capital, but according to predictions, once several such sites start operating, the state will be able to pocket 11 billion dollars a year just from the taxes that will be imposed on them.
One way or another, it is a lengthy process, which begins with the amendment of the existing law, after which tender and licensing procedures, selection of investors and concessionaires, construction in progress, recruitment of employees and more will be conducted.
The Casino Commission of Thailand indicated that five casino sites could be established throughout the country.
The proposed locations were the cities of Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai in the north of the country, the city of Pattaya in the east, the island of Phuket, Phang Nga or Krabi in the south, several destinations in the northeast of the country and the capital Bangkok.
"Phuket will be a strong candidate for the establishment of legal casinos, given its significant tourism support system," said Sumita Suryan, CEO of the Phuket Hotel Association. "Pairing casinos with a world-class branded tourist attraction can be a strong card.
In addition, local taxes on gambling can inject much-needed funding into the island's economy." One
way or another, against the background of the integrated resort industry in Asia, which was hit during the corona epidemic, questions also remain regarding the willingness of investors to enter a new market, even if it is Thailand - the most visited country in Southeast Asia.
tourism
news
Tags
Thailand
casino
