Thailand expects up to seven interested global operators for casino resort development ahead of July bill review

Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has confirmed that a handful of leading global casino operators are in contention to develop the country’s first integrated entertainment complexes.

Speaking to The Bangkok Post, Julapun said that between five and seven top-tier companies have expressed interest, all viewing Thailand as a compelling destination for investment.

The comments come just weeks before the Thai parliament is set to resume in early July, with the entertainment complex bill topping the legislative agenda. Julapun met last week with representatives from Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, two of the industry's major players and likely frontrunners should casino licenses become available.

“There are only about five to seven top-tier global operators in this sector, and they all view Thailand as a promising investment destination,” Julapun said. He noted that Bangkok, in particular, had been identified as a viable location capable of hosting multiple entertainment complexes.

An analysis by Inside Asian Gaming echoed this assessment, estimating that six major international integrated resort operators would likely submit bids if the bill is enacted.

Each approved site is expected to attract an investment of between THB200 billion and THB300 billion (approximately USD6.2 billion to USD9.3 billion), much higher than earlier projections. At the upper end, that level of investment would place a Thai development on par with MGM’s new integrated resort in Osaka, Japan, which recently began construction.

The government has suggested it would issue between three and five licenses, citing Thailand’s well-developed tourism infrastructure as a key advantage. “Thailand welcomes nearly 40 million international tourists each year and boasts stunning natural attractions,” Julapun said.

Despite strong interest from international operators and the government’s desire to bolster tourism revenues, the proposed legislation remains under scrutiny. A special Senate committee is currently reviewing the draft bill, and its findings could influence the final form of the legislation.