In early 2026, Thailand is set to pass the Entertainment Complex Business Act to introduce large-scale gaming facilities aimed at boosting tourism and competing with Singapore and the Philippines, despite concerns from conservative citizens. Major international gaming companies are eyeing investments upwards of US$3 billion, with potential pretax margins of 40-50 percent, but face challenges in obtaining permits and navigating potential corruption. The initiative, backed by Thaksin Shinawatra, faces uncertainty due to political instability and past government planning failures, as online gaming issues in other countries serve as cautionary tales for Thailand’s future gaming industry development.
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