Deputy Finance minister insists casino be included in entertainment complex

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat has insisted that a casino must be an integral party of the government’s ambitious entertainment complex project to generate tourism revenue, which would otherwise go to destinations with casinos.

His comments come just before he is due to testify to a Senate committee about the government’s controversial project.

Julapun said competition between countries to attract foreign tourists is very high, even within ASEAN member states, prompting Thailand to develop the entertainment complex to remain competitive.

He said that there are two distinct entertainment complex models, those with casinos and those without, such as the Disneyland and Universal.

He claimed that the administration of former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had approached Disney to invest in Thailand, but they chose Hong Kong instead, because it was more economically feasible to invest there.

Commenting on the stance of the Bhumjaithai party over the project, Julapun claimed that party leader Anutin Charnvirakul has approved the project, even though some party members may disagree, adding, however, that this can be resolved.

Bhumjaithai Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob told the House, however, that he disagrees with the casino and that the party will not support the project.

Julapun also said he is confident that the entertainment complex bill will become law within the tenure of Paetongtarn administration.