Winna Media News
22 May 2025
Adopting the Singapore model
Thailand’s looking to the Lion City for how to run ECs
High-profile comments from two of the gaming industry’s big hitters have underlined the sector’s confidence in Thailand’s push to open casinos. That’s a demonstration of the market’s confidence that the country is on the right lines as the Entertainment Complex (EC) Bill approaches an important stage in the approval process.
Wynn Development President Chris Gordon and MGM Resorts International President of Global Development Ed Bowers made some significant comments to Thai media regarding the importance of strong AML measures, social safety nets for problem gaming and the wisdom of implementing a tax model of 17% like Singapore.
That’s come at the same time as Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn has called for the country’s would-be gaming industry to adopt the “Singapore” model while her supporters have been making the case about how ECs will boost the economy and create jobs.
The EC legislation’s next key date is 9 July when it is due for its next reading in Thailand’s legislature. There’s no doubt that continuing domestic political ructions between the ruling coalition partners are posing a risk as we count down to July. Yet there’s also a feeling that public opinion in Thailand in increasingly moving to the view the ECs will be positive for tax takes and jobs.
It’s possible that Gordon and Bowers’ extensively reported views could help to build the argument in favour of the ECs.
Owen Hughes
Owen Hughes has more than two decades-worth of experience working in corporate communications and journalism in the Asia-Pacific. He's written news articles, features and analysis for a wide variety of international and regional print, video and digital platforms, as well as for internal company audiences.