Former Thai PM Thaksin Expects Robust Casino Bidding Process
Posted on: January 20, 2025, 10:48h.
Last updated on: January 20, 2025, 10:48h.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said he expects the bidding process to bring casino resorts to the country will be competitive and transparent, adding gaming companies successful in their quests to procure licenses there will prove their abilities to bolster tourism and generate tax receipts for Bangkok.

Speaking at an event in Nakhon Phanom over the weekend, Thaksin also said he’s optimistic that Thailand will pass casino gaming legislation before the end of this year. That could pave the way for the bidding process to start soon thereafter.
The truth is the license will be given out by means of open bidding in which any interested parties could compete,” Thaksin said, as reported by The Bangkok Post. “(Bidders) will have to propose what they have to offer in terms of tourism benefits and tax revenue for the government.”
His comments hold weight not only because he’s the former prime minister, but also because he’s the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and also because Thaksin remains a prominent figure in the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
Thaksin Sees Inspiration in Singapore Casino Model
It’s widely believed that Thailand could approve as many as five casino licenses to start with the locations rumored to be two in the capital city of Bangkok, and one each in the Eastern Economic Corridor, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Thaksin reiterated the view that Thailand should follow the Singapore integrated resort model, meaning the gaming venues in the Southeast Asian nation won’t be dominated casino space nor will those properties be reliant on local money and visitation. The former prime minister added that he hopes each entertainment complex will create at least 20,000 jobs.
“Like in Singapore, the casino here will take up less than 10% of the space in the entertainment complex which will have many other activities to offer tourists,” said Thaksin by way of The Post. “It has to leave Thai people better off. All too often, people find all that’s left when they put their hands in their pockets are pawn tickets.”
It’s expected that Thai casinos will take a page from Macau in that the concessionaire model will be employed, making government and gaming companies partners.
Speaking of Macau…
With potential-rich new markets hard to come by and the Asia Pacific region being attractive to gaming companies, some of the biggest names in the industry, including those with Macau footprints, are expected to pursue Thailand licenses.
Those include Galaxy Entertainment, Lawrence Ho’s Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and MGM China. MGM China is 56%-owned by MGM Resorts International.
There’s also speculation that Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts, which combine to run seven Macau integrated resorts, will be among the bidders for Thailand casino permits.
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