Galaxy executive urges Thailand to reconsider casino stance to revive tourism

A senior executive at Galaxy Entertainment Group has urged Thailand to rethink its approach to tourism and consider allowing integrated resorts as the country struggles to regain momentum in a highly competitive regional market.

Speaking at the Bangkok Post Economic Forum 2025, Kevin Clayton, Galaxy’s chief brand officer for Thailand, said the country needs a new long-term tourism strategy backed by an independent tourism board, similar to structures in Singapore and Japan.

Clayton argued that Thailand should embrace “manmade attractions,” including Macao-style integrated resorts and theme parks, to complement its cultural heritage and beaches. Thailand, he said, “needs to come to accept that … manmade attractions now are the call of the day internationally.”

He cited Singapore’s success with Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa as examples of how large-scale entertainment complexes can lift tourism revenue. Japan, meanwhile, has approved its first integrated resort, MGM Osaka, after years of debate.

Clayton’s comments come after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected his predecessor’s push to legalise casinos, saying the country would have to “wait for another prime minister” before proceeding with integrated resorts. The decision has frustrated international operators such as Galaxy that are seeking opportunities in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy.

Clayton said Thailand must find ways to attract higher-spending visitors. “[Thailand] needs additional destinations that are attractive to a bigger international audience and in particular higher yielding customers who are willing to spend a significant amount of money,” he said.

He added that Thailand could become, “dare I say, a gambling destination, which is loved by many, many people,” while noting that gambling remains a sensitive issue and should be handled with care.

Thailand’s tourism industry has not fully recovered from the pandemic. Visitor arrivals are forecast at 33 million this year, down from nearly 40 million in 2019. Tourism revenue has fallen from about $60 billion to $48 billion. Clayton said any business facing such a decline would “make structural changes – and the tourism sector should do the same.”

Galaxy is among several major operators positioning themselves for potential liberalisation in Thailand, which analysts see as one of Asia’s most promising untapped gaming markets.