Following the endorsement of the report on the study of opening entertainment complexes by Thailand’s House of Representatives and Cabinet in early 2024, the draft Entertainment Complex Bill, B.E. … (the “Entertainment Complex Bill”) finally became open for public hearing and is now under the consideration of the Ministry of Finance. The Entertainment Complex Bill aims to liberalize and facilitate the establishment of entertainment complexes that include casinos, allowing participation from domestic and foreign investors alike. Key Takeaways Under the Entertainment Complex Bill, an “entertainment complex” is a venue that operates at least four types of entertainment businesses alongside a casino. These may include five-star hotels, restaurants and bars, game centers, and department stores, among others. Based on the information publicly available as of the date of this publication, the Entertainment Complex Bill and its prospective subordinate legislation should encompass the following key requirements. Licensing requirements: Business operators seeking to operate an entertainment complex business must first obtain a license. To qualify, applicants must: (1) be a company incorporated in Thailand and (2) have a minimum paid-up capital of THB 10 billion. This license will operate as a “super license” covering not only casino activities but also other operations within the complex, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, and game centers, which, under normal circumstances, may require separate licenses or permits. The license will be valid for 30 years and may be renewed for an additional 10-year term upon expiration. The license fees may depend on the location of the entertainment complex. Minimum investment requirements: Based on the preparatory works by the drafting committee, entertainment complex business licenses may be classified into four different categories based on the size of the investment: small, medium, large, and extra-large. At this stage, licenses for the extra-large category, requiring an investment of THB

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2023. This guide outlines the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Country Guides series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource for planning international business strategy and researching new markets. The full Guide to Doing Business in Thailand is available through the button below.

As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2021. This guide outlines all of the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: Investment incentives Financial facilities Exchange controls Import and export regulations Structures for doing business Requirements for the Establishment of a Business Operation of the Business Cessation or Termination of the Business Labor legislation, relations, and supply Tax Immigration requirements This publication is part of Lex Mundi’s Guides to Doing Business series prepared by member firms in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide. The guides serve as a useful resource when planning an international business strategy or researching a new market.