Thailand Plans to Build Legal Casinos Near Bukit Kayu Hitam Border to Compete With Genting Highlands

There might soon be a new tourist attraction soo at Ban Dan Nok, the town near the Thailand-Malaysia border in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah: A legal casino!

This is after Thai tourism operators in Songkhla called on the country’s government to build an entertainment complex there to address sluggish tourism in border areas and avoid over-dependence on Malaysian tourists.

A legal casino might be built near the Thai side of the Bukit Kayu Hitam border

For illustration purposes

According to the Thai-publication Bangkok Post, the Thai government is currently studying building an integrated entertainment complex development project in the country.

In lieu of that, the president of Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association Songchai Mungprasithichai asserted that Ban Dan Nok and the area around the Sadao checkpoint bordering Bukit Kayu Hitam has the potential to attract tourists interested in gambling.

More so, given that the Sadao checkpoint is the main entry point in the south of Thailand.

Source: form follows learning

The casino can compete with Genting Highlands, which attracts a high number of tourists

Songchai added that demand for casino tourism would be high and gave Genting Highlands as an example of how legally operated casinos and resorts could attract a high number of tourists.

He added that to curb any unwanted issues, the Thai government should issue clear regulations to screen local gamblers, such as setting a minimum individual income.

Songchai also urged the government to encourage local communities to decide whether they want a casino complex based on the positive and negative outcomes of legalised gambling, as locals might be concerned about the possible social impact of such entertainment and gambling complexes.

He then gave an example of how Malaysia allows legal casinos to operate in Genting Highlands despite the majority of the population being Muslim.

For illustration purposes

So, what do you guys think of Thailand potentially building a legal casino near the Malaysia border? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: Johor MB: Casino Opening at Forest City Merely Rumours Meant to Tarnish Johor’s Image