Thailand sizes up odds of casinos boosting tourism

Imitating Singapore's success could violate Buddhist precepts

20211222 Casino

Thailand is considering legalizing casino gambling, despite public concerns that it may lead to family problems, indebtedness and crime.  © Getty Images

MASAYUKI YUDA, Nikkei staff writer

BANGKOK -- Thailand's lower house of parliament is developing a keen interest in casinos, as the kingdom continues to bank on tourism as a main source of economic growth.

The debate over legalizing casino gambling in Thailand has been going on for years, but it gathered momentum earlier this month as the lower house voted 310-9 to set up a committee to study the pros and cons of casinos. The move was broadly supported by both the government and opposition parties.

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