The southern Thai province of Songkhla, bordering Malaysia, has expressed interest in hosting a casino to boost tourism.
Songchai Mungprasithichai, president of the Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association, proposed the idea, highlighting the potential of the Ban Dan Nok area to attract gambling tourists, according to reports in the local media.
Noting the inconsistent tourist flow in Hat Yai, he pointed out that 90 per cent of foreign visitors during festivals are from Malaysia.
Mungprasithichai believes Songkhla’s proximity to Malaysia’s Resorts World Genting could attract gamblers seeking alternatives. He emphasised the need for local approval and awareness campaigns about the benefits of an integrated resort.
This proposal follows Malaysia’s Prime Minister’s refusal to issue a second casino licence, despite reports of discussions about a casino near Singapore’s border.
Thailand has recently become the focus of attention for the land-based industry due to the prospect of seeing the first integrated resorts being established there within the decade.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
