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Songkhla’s casino proposal aims to boost tourism
The southern Thai province of Songkhla, located on the border with Malaysia, has reportedly put its hand up to host a casino in a bid to boost tourism.
The Songkhla Tourism Promotion Association President, Songchai Mungprasithichai, considers that people who like to gamble might want to visit the nearest entry point in Thailand’s south. He has also highlighted the Ban Dan Nok neighborhood, which is frequently overlooked by Malaysian visitors in favor of Hat Yai.
“Tourism operators in Ban Dan Nok said the market is quiet,” Mungprasithichai is quoted as saying. “Even in Hat Yai, tourist flows are not consistent as in the past, with 90% of the foreign market hailing from Malaysia during festivals, and now they have more choices than Hat Yai.”
He also believes Songkhla’s connection to Malaysia’s Resorts World Genting will make it an appealing alternative for individuals who have formerly gambled in the Genting Highlands.
However, he emphasized the importance of local approval and urged for a campaign to tell people of the extra facilities that an integrated resort development would provide.
Mungprasithichai stated:
“Despite being an Islamic country, Malaysia allows legal casinos in Genting. For the entertainment complex plan to run smoothly it must address the economic impact on locals, helping them to understand the development would welcome all segments with other attractions such as hotels and shopping, not only gambling.”
After Malaysia’s Prime Minister said he would not allow a second casino license to be granted in the country, there have been claims that Songkhla needs its own casino. It’s also said that Genting Berhad Chairman and Berjaya Group chair met him to discuss a potential casino there. This happened near the Singapore and Malaysia border in Johor though all parties denied such conversations.
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