The Mae Sot area on Thailand’s border with Myanmar is being eyed as a potential location for an integrated resort with a casino.
According to local media reports, the area is “almost ready” to host a large-scale entertainment complex.
There have been recent upgrades to cargo transport and immigration checkpoints and a newly built four-lane road connecting the border with the Muang district. Mae Sot is known as a trade hub and is 492km from the capital Bangkok.
Over the weekend, members of a committee that has been established to study the legalisation of gambling in Thailand visited the area to discuss its feasibility and consult local leaders.
Boonlue Prasertsopar, a Bhumjaithai Party MP for Ratchaburi in his capacity as vice chairman of the committee, was cited by the Bangkok Post as saying that the aim of the casino would be to help curb illegal gambling, but is also part of a government push to develop an economic corridor along the border.
He said local residents are in favour of the project as they have seen how the district in neighboring Myanmar has benefited after Chinese investors set up a similar project several years ago.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief