'Moreover, if these projects are owned by particular interest groups, it might create more problems than benefits for the country.' 'Our greatest concern is law enforcement, which has always been weak in Thailand,' he said.

Mr Sisdivachr said in the initial stage, authorities should allow each region to have only one complex to weigh the economic and social impact in each area. He said revenue contribution must be fair and transparent, whether in the form of public-private investment or granting concessions to private investors. If Thailand wants to legalise such complexes, it should have appropriate regulations to prevent social impacts, said Mr Sisdivachr. Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said casino complexes operate in most of Thailand's neighbours, notably Singapore and Genting in Malaysia. The House of Representatives this week agreed to establish a 60-member committee to study the potential of opening entertainment complexes that include casinos. Operators in Phuket believe this business should be located in second-tier provinces rather than major destinations.

Tourism operators are not opposed to legalising casino complexes here, but are concerned the benefits might be concentrated among certain interest groups.

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