Thai Hotel Association Proposes Plans for Future Entertainment Complex Developments
Thailand's Entertainment Complex Tiide: Let's Not Forget the Lesser-Known Spots
All eyes are on Thailand as it prepares to welcome new entertainment complexes, but the locations remain up for grabs. After the government announced its chosen sites - Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket - various parties have voiced their opinions on the matter.
Thai Hotel Association (THA) throws its hat in the ring with suggestions that could change the game. THA President, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun suggests that it's about time referendums are held in the provinces where such complexes are being discussed.
Thienprasit isn't alone in questioning the proposed locations. Academics fear that casino resorts may not fare well due to Thailand's struggle with regulating high-risk sectors like gambling. Yet, Thienprasit remains supportive of the idea but suggests that secondary cities are a better fit for these developments.
He explains that overlooking secondary cities like Chiang Mai and border provinces means risking overtourism in major destinations like Bangkok and Phuket, which often face water shortages during peak tourist season.
Thienprasit further urges the government to maintain an unyielding stance on transparency. He believes it's vital for security personnel to be aware of who enters the entertainment complexes at any given time. Locals, meanwhile, voice their concerns about potential crime, problem gambling, and organized crime.
The Uneasy Beat of Change
First impressions of the proposed entertainment complexes are tinged with excitement and trepidation. With Thailand's history of corruption, there's concern that these resorts could favor well-established, well-connected companies and individuals, rather than boosting the economy.
Yet, the THA's strategy of spreading economic benefits more evenly across secondary cities aligns with the government's goals of diversifying revenue streams and promoting high-value tourism. While casinos might only occupy 5-10% of the complex space, they'll share the stage with luxury hotels and convention centers.
So, as the dust settles and the plans take shape, it seems the key lies in a delicate balancing act between opportunity and responsibility.
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Behind the Scenes:
The suggested secondary locations encompass Phuket, Chiang Mai, and border provinces, alongside Bangkok [3]. To avoid overtourism in major destinations, discussions are arising to focus on developing entertainment complexes in secondary cities [4].
The THA's reasoning revolves around distributing tourism demand to alleviate overcrowding in primary hubs. While the sources don't directly reference the THA, a Nation Thailand report covers a broader perspective advocating for secondary cities to contribute to regional economies and manage tourist concentration more effectively [4]. The government's picks - Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and border provinces - aim to diversify revenue streams, with casinos limited to 5-10% of the complex's space to prioritize non-gaming amenities such as luxury hotels and convention centers [3].
The proposed primary vs. secondary city debate centers on the potential for secondary locations to distribute tourism benefits more broadly, as opposed to intensifying overtourism in major cities.
- Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the president of the Thai Hotel Association (THA), suggests holding referendums in the provinces where entertainment complexes, including those in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and border provinces, are being discussed to ensure a more even distribution of benefits.
- Academics have expressed concerns about the potential struggle in regulating high-risk sectors like gambling in Thailand's new entertainment complexes, citing the possible negative impact on the economy and increased risk of crime.
- Thienprasit believes it's crucial for security personnel to be aware of who enters the entertainment complexes at any given time, addressing concerns raised by locals about potential crime, problem gambling, and organized crime.
- The THA's strategy of focusing on secondary cities like Chiang Mai and border provinces instead of major destinations like Bangkok and Phuket aims to mitigate overtourism and water shortages during peak tourist seasons.
- The government's plan to diversify revenue streams by developing entertainment complexes in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and border provinces involves limiting casinos to occupy only 5-10% of the complex's space, with the remaining space dedicated to luxury hotels and convention centers.
