Thailand mulls setting up casinos

Thailand mulls setting up casinos

BANGKOK: The Thai government may consider setting up casinos in the seaside resort town of Pattaya, the chief advisor to Thailand's ruling Thai Rak Thai party said, according to a media report Saturday.

Thai Rak Thai's Snoh Thienthong told a packed meeting mulling the issue in Pattaya that the government's advisors would consider the plan if it was backed by public hearings, a Nation newspaper report said.

"My suggestion is for the Chon Buri governor to conduct public hearings and submit conclusions to the government's advisory team," Snoh was quoted as saying.

Pattaya, famed as much for its raunchy nightlife as its beaches, is located in Chon Buri province, 150 kilometers south of the capital.

Public sentiment in predominantly Buddhist Thailand has led to the rejection of all previous proposals to open casinos here.

Nevertheless, Thais are huge gamblers.

In January this year, officials said some 130 billion baht (US$3.0 billion) was being lost every year to casinos across the border in Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. -- AFP