Casinos to entertainment capital
The process, debate, and anti/pro-sentiment around casino legalisation in Thailand to pave the way for IRs/ECs introduction is not dissimilar to countries and cities that have previously introduced ECs, and in most cases after introduction, a continued programme of ECs expansion.
There are various top-of-mind issues to review now in Thailand's ECs and commercial gaming legalisation discussion, and as ECs introduction history has shown, other considerations that inevitably will occur over time, including cost/benefit analysis (economic and social) taxation/fees, public policies, potential customer markets, types of gaming/non-gaming, tourism diversification, master planning -- the list continues.
The iconic physical presence of ECs and the impact on city skylines can be a notable first impression on a trip to Las Vegas, Macao, Singapore or the Philippines.
Yet, the pathway to casino legalisation or liberalisation and development of ECs in the many popular tourism destinations now hosting ECs, will have differed. Even in these well-established ECs destinations, discussion on policy and tourism challenges can remain a constant in that tourism and economic transformation results, including aspects of the rejuvenation of landscapes and small businesses around the ECs.
In some cases, ECs growth has created ECs clusters such as the Las Vegas Strip and Macau's Cotai Strip -- destinations themselves. At the core are the ECs with the know-how, experience, and capital to provide the introduction and impetus to create and be a catalyst to multiple non-gaming options such as events, entertainment, concerts, trade shows, sports, and retail -- through which more regional and international visitation is generated.
Casino ECs – good or bad?
Indeed, the casino legislation and ECs development framework is increasingly a path much travelled. Perspectives on the good and the bad, the anti or pro, depend on who you talk to, be it government departments (from security to the economy to tourism for example), political parties, non-profit organisations, casino operators, ECs investors, the community, international hospitality brands (who have multiple hotels, retail, leisure, event and entertainment offerings in the ECs).
Truly a lot of opinions to consider and seek greater consensus on. We have found that monitoring, measuring and responding to this sentiment is an important consideration when integrating ECs into the landscape.
For example, our resident impact studies have shown that perceived benefits and support can differ throughout the community, with one outcome being a resident communication campaign.
Built not only for international visitors, the ECs will also provide employment or small business opportunities for the community, as well as a place for the community and domestic tourists to enjoy the dining, shopping, concerts, and entertainment.
There are numerous referral cases for Thailand to draw lessons learnt from fine-tuning to create distinctive Thailand ECs, with a regulatory framework designed to maximise the benefits while minimising costs.
Thailand offers a globally renowned image of hospitality, uniquely coined "Amazing Thailand", which is campaigned in the long-standing tagline of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and its competitiveness may exceed expectations with new synergies of entertainment along with other sectors of the macroeconomy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bangkok Post
09-07-2025
- Bangkok Post
Casinos to entertainment capital
Casino "integrated resorts (IRs)" -- framed as "entertainment complexes (ECs)" in Thailand -- have proved to be hugely transformative for tourism, destination image, the economy, policy creation, and society. The process, debate, and anti/pro-sentiment around casino legalisation in Thailand to pave the way for IRs/ECs introduction is not dissimilar to countries and cities that have previously introduced ECs, and in most cases after introduction, a continued programme of ECs expansion. There are various top-of-mind issues to review now in Thailand's ECs and commercial gaming legalisation discussion, and as ECs introduction history has shown, other considerations that inevitably will occur over time, including cost/benefit analysis (economic and social) taxation/fees, public policies, potential customer markets, types of gaming/non-gaming, tourism diversification, master planning -- the list continues. The iconic physical presence of ECs and the impact on city skylines can be a notable first impression on a trip to Las Vegas, Macao, Singapore or the Philippines. Yet, the pathway to casino legalisation or liberalisation and development of ECs in the many popular tourism destinations now hosting ECs, will have differed. Even in these well-established ECs destinations, discussion on policy and tourism challenges can remain a constant in that tourism and economic transformation results, including aspects of the rejuvenation of landscapes and small businesses around the ECs. In some cases, ECs growth has created ECs clusters such as the Las Vegas Strip and Macau's Cotai Strip -- destinations themselves. At the core are the ECs with the know-how, experience, and capital to provide the introduction and impetus to create and be a catalyst to multiple non-gaming options such as events, entertainment, concerts, trade shows, sports, and retail -- through which more regional and international visitation is generated. Casino ECs – good or bad? Indeed, the casino legislation and ECs development framework is increasingly a path much travelled. Perspectives on the good and the bad, the anti or pro, depend on who you talk to, be it government departments (from security to the economy to tourism for example), political parties, non-profit organisations, casino operators, ECs investors, the community, international hospitality brands (who have multiple hotels, retail, leisure, event and entertainment offerings in the ECs). Truly a lot of opinions to consider and seek greater consensus on. We have found that monitoring, measuring and responding to this sentiment is an important consideration when integrating ECs into the landscape. For example, our resident impact studies have shown that perceived benefits and support can differ throughout the community, with one outcome being a resident communication campaign. Built not only for international visitors, the ECs will also provide employment or small business opportunities for the community, as well as a place for the community and domestic tourists to enjoy the dining, shopping, concerts, and entertainment. There are numerous referral cases for Thailand to draw lessons learnt from fine-tuning to create distinctive Thailand ECs, with a regulatory framework designed to maximise the benefits while minimising costs. Thailand offers a globally renowned image of hospitality, uniquely coined "Amazing Thailand", which is campaigned in the long-standing tagline of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and its competitiveness may exceed expectations with new synergies of entertainment along with other sectors of the macroeconomy.
New Indian Express
04-07-2025
- New Indian Express
New land pooling rules to boost Amaravati development
VIJAYAWADA: In a key move to accelerate development in the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, the State government has notified the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Land Pooling Scheme (Formulation and Implementation) Rules, 2025. The rules, issued through GO Ms. No.118 by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department on July 1, aim to promote planned urban growth with a focus on transparency, citizen-friendly procedures, and digital integration. According to S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, MAUD, the revised rules mark a major milestone in the transformation of Amaravati and its surrounding areas into urban settlements and satellite towns. The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA), established under the APCRDA Act, 2014, will oversee the implementation of the scheme, including infrastructure development and the construction of the new capital city. The 2025 rules build upon the earlier 2015 framework with key enhancements such as simplified procedures, reduced bureaucratic delays, and the use of advanced technologies for land surveys and ownership verification. Plot details will now be directly integrated into Encumbrance Certificates (ECs), facilitating easier land registration. Environmental safeguards, including protection of water bodies, will be ensured in line with National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court guidelines. The government emphasised that a well-planned urban infrastructure is essential for economic growth, poverty reduction, and long-term sustainability. The new rules reaffirm the State's commitment to inclusive development.
Business Recorder
01-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Open market: currency dealers aim to double remittance inflows with increased margin in FY26
Currency dealers in the open market have projected to double the inflows of workers' remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis in one year, aiming to attract $8-10 billion in the new fiscal year 2025-26 after the central bank jacked up their rate of margin to Rs22 a dollar with effect from Tuesday. According to the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP), the exchange companies (EC) attracted a total of $4 billion in the previous fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, while they were paid Rs2 for brining each dollar in Pakistan from expatriates. Pakistan receives record $4.1bn in remittances in March, says SBP governor Referring a circular of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued on Monday, ECAP Chairman Malik Bostan told the Business Recorder that the central bank has included exchange companies (ECs) in Pakistan Remittance Initiative (PRI), surging their rebate to Rs22/$ from Rs2/$ paid till June 30, 2025. 'Our inclusion in PRI has provided us (ECs/currency dealers) a level playing field,' he said. Banks in Pakistan attracted $33 billion in FY25, compared to $4 billion by exchange companies operating in the open market. ECs sold almost all the received workers' remittances of $4 billion in inter-bank market in FY25, helping the central bank to consolidate its foreign exchange reserves and finance trade deficit during the year. There are residing almost 15 million Pakistani expatriates in across the world with 70% of them living alone in two leading Middle Eastern countries namely Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They sent a total of $35 billion in the first 11-month of FY25 from across the globe, up by 29% compared to the same period of FY24, it was learnt. ECAP chairman said Pakistani workers abroad collectively earn around $8 billion per month in salaries. 'If all of this money were sent to Pakistan, it could significantly strengthen our economy, reserves, and the Pakistani rupee. Right now, only $3–4 billion is being sent, while the remaining $4 billion is either being kept in foreign bank accounts or invested in places like Dubai, Europe, or the Middle East,' he said.
