Thai Deputy PM Says Cabinet Unlikely to Approve the $1.5M Requirement for Casino Access

Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnviraku has said that the Thai Cabinet is unlikely to approve a proposal by the Council of State to require locals to have $1.5 million in their bank accounts to enter the nation’s casinos.

It would be “difficult for the proposal to win the cabinet’s approval” because it would fail to address the issue of locals visiting illegal gambling dens or casinos in neighbouring countries, Anutin said.

He also stated that his Bhumjaithai Party would, as a government coalition member, support government policies as long as they do not harm society.

Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Council of State – which has proposed the revised policy, said earlier this week that the idea was to limit casino entry to those with substantial financial means.

The revised entertainment complex bill is currently welcoming its second round of public feedback but will also need further cabinet approval if latest policy revisions are to progress.

Anutin said that the newly proposed $1.5 million entry requirement for locals would be discussed at a cabinet meeting.