Thailand is on the cusp of a major transformation in its gambling industry. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat recently revealed that several leading global casino operators have expressed strong interest in investing, as the Thai Parliament prepares to deliberate on the draft Entertainment Complex Act. The initial round of casino licenses is drawing intense international attention, with projected single-project investments ranging from THB 200–300 billion (approximately USD 6.2–9.3 billion), far exceeding the government’s earlier estimates.

In a recent media interview, Julapun stated that while the number of top-tier casino operators worldwide is limited, nearly all of them see Thailand as the “next key market.” Following meetings with representatives from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts International, he confirmed that both companies showed active interest and are considered strong contenders for the first licenses.

“There are only about five to seven core players in this industry, but nearly all of them have shown investment intent,” Julapun noted. “Bangkok is the most favored location, with the potential to host several world-class integrated resorts.”

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Entertainment Complex Act is expected to be a legislative priority when Parliament reconvenes in early July. The Thai government aims to use legal casino development to upgrade its tourism sector and attract large-scale foreign direct investment. Notably, if the upper-end investment projections materialize, Thailand’s future integrated resort projects could rival the scale of MGM’s Osaka development currently underway in Japan.

Julapun also revealed that the government plans to issue three to five casino licenses initially, leveraging Thailand’s robust tourism infrastructure. “Thailand welcomes nearly 40 million international tourists annually. Combined with our natural attractions and infrastructure, we have the foundation to support world-class integrated resorts,” he emphasized.

Despite the excitement surrounding the project, the Entertainment Complex Act faces some resistance. A special Senate committee is still reviewing the bill’s provisions, with ongoing debates on taxation policies, social impacts, and regulatory frameworks.

If passed, Thailand will become the second Southeast Asian nation after Singapore to legalize casino operations, a move expected to reshape the strategic landscape of global gaming giants.