The entertainment complex – a new economic engine for Thailand

The government's proposal to create a so-called "Entertainment Complex" has quickly become one of the most talked-about news stories in Thailand. But what is it really? And why is Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra speaking so warmly about the idea? Thailand Info has gone into depth to explain what is being planned and why it could be a boost for the country.

What is an Entertainment Complex?

An Entertainment Complex is a large-scale, integrated area that combines several entertainment and tourism functions in the same place: hotels, concert halls, shopping, restaurants, exhibitions, conferences – and yes, even a casino. But according to the government, gaming operations should constitute maximum 10% of the entire complex.

The rest is about creating a hub for international tourism and domestic growth. The idea is that the complex will be able to attract visitors year-round, thereby reducing dependence on seasonal tourism.

The Prime Minister's vision

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently declared on his television program that:

“This is not about making Thailand a gambling paradise. It is about an ecosystem for tourism, entertainment, shopping and jobs. The casino is just the engine that drives the whole system.”

She emphasized that the state will not finance the project, without private investors covering all the costs. No tax money from the people is needed. It will be private companies that cover the investments – and it is a lot of money.

The state will receive tax revenue from these activities, and that money will be reinvested in the country's economy in various ways. It is not just about money, but also about creating jobs and establishing new knowledge and activities in, for example, the service industry.

She also pointed out that the model is inspired by international examples such as Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Galaxy Macau. According to her, Thailand should not compete with Cambodia for old temples, but create something new that attracts future visitors.

Why is gambling necessary?

According to the Prime Minister, it is precisely the gaming industry that creates the economic margins that make it possible to subsidize concert venues, events and other cultural activities. Without the gaming element – ​​no funding for the rest.

But she assures that Thailand will use Singapore's model of strict regulations, pre-registration and background checks for those who want to play. "It shouldn't be free for anyone to just walk in and bet money," she said in the interview.

A growing global trend

Thailand is not alone. More and more countries are investing in integrated resort areas to create new types of tourism that combine economy, experience and pleasure. Several US states, Japan and the United Arab Emirates are examples of places where similar projects have already been implemented or are planned.

Thailand has the opportunity to become a hub for South Asia in this new market – but to get there you need the courage to think new things and the ability to build trust.

What happens next?

Thailand Info is following the development of the Entertainment Complex project closely and will present in an upcoming series of articles:

• Thailand's vision: A new entertainment complex as an economic engine
• Macau: How an entertainment complex works in practice
• Singapore: Marina Bay Sands and the ecosystem behind its success
• Lessons from the world – risks and failures of entertainment complexes

Keep an eye on Thailand Info for more in-depth information!

Text: The editorial staff

Image license: Nicolas Vollmer, Flickr, original image