As Thailand awaits approval of its draft Entertainment Complex Bill, six major international casino and entertainment operators are actively exploring investments in large-scale leisure projects across Phuket, Pattaya, and Bangkok’s Klong Toey area.
A total of six global entertainment and casino companies are reportedly evaluating opportunities to establish operations in Thailand’s proposed entertainment complexes. According to an anonymous source with knowledge of the matter, Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts, Hard Rock International, Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), Genting, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment are among the firms showing interest.
These projects, still pending legislative approval, are designed to include more than just casino operations. They are expected to encompass diverse facilities such as hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs, sports arenas, amusement parks, and water parks. As foreign companies are required to collaborate with Thai entities under current frameworks, each group will be seeking local partnerships to move forward.
The investors bring with them significant experience from similar developments in regions such as Macau, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Of the six firms, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts have already initiated talks with Thailand’s Ministry of Finance. Galaxy Entertainment Group, based in Macau, has also expressed serious interest and has begun preliminary site assessments and feasibility studies in potential development zones.
Galaxy has identified Khlong Toey, Phuket, and Pattaya as key areas for potential investment, with an anticipated outlay running into hundreds of billions of baht. The company has also taken steps to establish a presence in Thailand by opening a local office and recruiting staff. However, its decision to proceed further hinges on the legal and regulatory clarity expected from the Thai government.
Thai business partners and stakeholders are similarly awaiting legislative guidance before committing to joint ventures or infrastructure development. The overall sentiment among investors appears driven by optimism surrounding Thailand’s tourism industry and its growing appeal to international travelers.
The source noted that while all six groups are demonstrating varying levels of engagement, the extent of their commitments will depend on the eventual shape of regulatory measures. Several firms, including Wynn, MGM, and Galaxy, have already initiated preliminary engagements with relevant authorities.