Entertainment Complexes in Thailand: A Shift in Focus
Thai Hotel Association Proposes Ideas for Upcoming Entertainment Complex Developments
The entertainment scene in Thailand is witnessing a significant change, but the details are murky like a misty morning. Post the government's announcement of four potential locations for upcoming properties, there's been a flurry of discussions.
Spreading the Entertainment Complex Pie to Secondary Cities
The Thai Hotel Association (THA) has thrown its hat into the ring, suggesting that towns other than the proposed ones should get a slice of the entertainment complex pie. THA's President, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, believes that referendums should be held in the provinces where these entertainment complexes are set to be debated.
Thienprasit isn't alone in questioning the proposed locations. Numerous Thai academics argue that casino resorts might be unsustainable due to the country's struggles in regulating high-risk sectors like gambling.
But Thienprasit isn't against casino resorts entirely. His concern lies with the locations chosen to host these future developments. He argues that secondary cities would benefit immensely from the economic boost these properties would provide.
Thienprasit also emphasized that certain proposed locations, such as Phuket and Pattaya, suffer from water scarcity during the peak tourist season.
Thienprasit urges the government to uphold transparency without compromise, arguing that it's crucial for casinos to know who enters their premises at any given time. Meanwhile, locals remain wary of potential drawbacks that could impact their communities.
Concerns of the Common Folk
Crime, problem gambling, and organized crime are top worries for ordinary Thais who fear these projects might exacerbate economic problems.
Academics argue that due to the country's history of corruption, instead of creating an economic boom, these projects might enrich existing economic interests of established and well-connected companies and individuals.
Despite these concerns, the Thai government seems unwavering in its plans.
Image credit: Unsplash.com
Insights:
- The THA advocates for secondary cities as alternative locations for entertainment complexes to prevent overtourism in major destinations like Bangkok and Phuket and ensure better economic balance.
- Concerns of locals and academics revolve around potential problems related to crime, organized crime, corruption, and public acceptance of casinos in these complexes.
- Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the President of the Thai Hotel Association (THA), has proposed that referendums be conducted in provinces where entertainment complexes are to be debated, advocating for secondary cities to receive a share of the entertainment complex pie.
- Thienprasit believes that secondary cities would significantly benefit from the economic boost these entertainment complex properties could provide, countering the argument that casino resorts might be unsustainable due to Thailand's regulatory challenges in high-risk sectors like gambling.
- One of Thienprasit's concerns is that certain proposed locations, such as Phuket and Pattaya, experience water scarcity during the peak tourist season, which could be exacerbated by additional entertainment complex developments.
- In the context of the ongoing discussions about entertainment complexes, there are concerns among locals and academics that these projects could lead to increased crime, problem gambling, organized crime, and further economic problems.
- Despite these apprehensions, the Thai government appears resolute in its plans, suggesting a potential entrenchment of these businesses and financial interests in the Thai casinos, entertainment, and real estate industry.
