Utichai, CEO of Siam Park City and operator of Siam Amazing Park, said the company is very interested in investing in integrated entertainment projects, but still needs to wait for the government to submit the Integrated Entertainment Venue Operation Bill to the National Assembly for deliberation to clarify the content of the bill, as well as the introduction of government policies, investment models and relevant regulations on legal casinos.
Utichai believes that Thailand needs to open large-scale integrated entertainment projects to revitalize the tourism industry and the national economy. Tourism is crucial to promoting economic development, and if new tourist attractions can be created, it will attract more tourists to Thailand.
At present, the situation in the tourism industry has not yet fully improved, especially the number of Chinese tourists, Thailand's main market, has decreased significantly.
Therefore, the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) should review their pre-pandemic marketing strategies for Chinese tourists and jointly formulate measures to restore the Chinese market.
Although the National Tourism Authority has adjusted its strategy to make up for the losses by developing the high-quality tourist market, most tourism-related industries are small and medium-sized enterprises. The mass market cannot be ignored and is more in line with the characteristics of Thailand's tourism industry.
Isara, vice chairman of the Real Estate, Design and Construction Trade Association of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and honorary chairman of the Housing Business Association, said he supports the government's investment in integrated entertainment projects and the promotion of legal casino construction to stimulate the economy, attract tourists and increase national revenue. In addition, legalizing the underground industry and placing it within the legal framework will facilitate government management and taxation. Currently, many countries around the world have implemented similar projects.
However, the project's advancement requires full listening to the opinions of local residents, the formulation of strict and comprehensive regulations, and particular attention to the social impacts that many people are concerned about.
As for suitable locations for development projects, Isara believes that state-owned land or tourist hotspots such as Bangkok and Phuket should be chosen.