MGM China Holdings, the operator of two casino resorts in Macau, is considering new investment opportunities in Thailand’s proposed casino complex, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed.
According to a recent report by English-language daily newspaper Bangkok Post, TAT governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said that MGM China had expressed its interest in promoting Macau’s tourism to the Thai market and investing in Thailand’s proposed casino resort.
After meeting Pansy Ho, chairperson and executive director of MGM China, Kiatphaibool indicated that Thailand’s tourism authorities were planning to discuss with MGM over ‘possible collaboration to improve Thailand’s competitiveness’ through the development of new tourism-related products, including man-made attractions.
Thailand authorities are currently drafting a legal framework for gaming, which involves approval for the development of up to five large-scale integrated resorts nationwide, with the aim of promoting tourism and generating tax revenue.
During the G2E Asia event earlier this month, Lau Kok Keng, partner and head of Gaming Law Practice at Rajah&Tann Singapore LLP, predicted that Thailand would legalise casino gambling and build its first integrated casino resort by as soon as 2029 to beat the opening of Japan’s Osaka resort.
Last week, the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and the city’s gaming and integrated resorts rolled into Thailand to sign a tourism deal, with a roadshow officially kicking off in Bangkok.
From the event, Macau News Agency (MNA) learned that Macau operators were keeping an eye on the legalisation of gaming in Thailand.
While the Macau players stay mum about the possibility of entering Thailand for gaming, some are privately gleeful about its prospects.
Meanwhile, MGM’s Pansy Ho held a separate promotional VIP gala dinner at Rosewood Bangkok, which was attended by senior executives, Thai celebrities and VIPs to highlight gastronomy and promote MGM properties.
