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Thailand is in the middle of a big debate. The country is talking about legalising casinos and gambling. The government believes it can help grow the economy and bring in tourists. But not everyone agrees with this idea. Some are worried it could cause more harm than good.
Let’s break it down simply.
What Is the Government Planning?
Thailand wants to allow:
- Land-based casinos
- Online gambling (but in a controlled way)
- Big entertainment zones with hotels, shops, and games
The goal? Boost tourism, create jobs, and collect more tax money.
Why Some People Support It
Many say legal casinos can:
- Attract rich tourists
- Get investments from big international companies
- Give local people jobs in hotels, events, and customer service
- Help the government earn more tax, which can be used for public needs
- Supporters believe that if done properly, gambling can bring in billions and make Thailand more modern.
But Not Everyone Is Happy
Still, many groups in Thailand don’t want casinos to be legal. Here’s why:
- They fear people might get addicted to gambling
- Crime could increase
- Family problems might grow
- The country’s image could be damaged
- Even some politicians inside the government don’t agree. The Prime Minister recently faced a no-confidence vote because of the plan, though she stayed in power.
Bank of Thailand Shares a Warning
The head of the Bank of Thailand, Mr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said something important. He warned that if Thailand allows gambling, it could become a “grey zone.” That means a place where people think the rules are not clear, and shady things can happen.
He believes this could scare away big investors. Instead, he wants Thailand to focus on safer sectors like:
- Wellness tourism (health travel)
- Elderly care (nursing and old age services)
- He says these can give long-term growth and won’t damage society.
What Is the Grey Economy?
Let’s understand what a “grey economy” means. Simply put:
- It includes jobs and businesses that are not officially recorded
- These don’t pay tax or follow the law properly
- It’s also called the shadow or informal economy
- Thailand has faced this problem for a long time.
A World Bank report once said 57% of Thailand’s economy in 2007 came from informal work. That’s more than half. Later studies still showed over 40%. So the problem is still big.
Bloomberg also ranked Thailand as one of the top countries with the largest shadow economy. If casinos are not handled well, this problem could become worse.
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