Casinos:Samak's 'Sports' Venues

[ncr]

Well, who in his right mind would actually care whether they are on Cambodian or on Thai soil? After all, it is well-known that the owners of these casinos are so-called Thai influential people (in connection with Cambodian politicians/military/mafia, of course) who fleece their own countrymen of their (more or less) hard-earned cash...... So what difference does it make? :D

From TNA/MCOT News (http://www.mcot.org), 19/12/2004:

Cambodian casino encroaches on Thai soil

SA KAEOW, December 19, (TNA) – Thai officials were preparing for urgent negotiations with Cambodia today after it became apparent that a casino in the Cambodian border town of Poi Pet has cleared land and constructed a wall encroaching on Thai soil.

Col. Kritchawit Thamornphon, commander of the local security forces on the Sa Kaeow border, this morning investigated the construction work carried out by the casino in tambon Pa Rai, where the casino has built a wall across the Prom Hot canal marking the Thai-Cambodian border.

Noting that the construction violated an agreement between the Thai and Cambodian governments signed in the year 2000, Col. Kritchawit this morning engaged in urgent talks with Maj. Gen. Sok Phiep, head of the Thai-Cambodian Liaison Office, to ensure the demolition of the 1 foot-thick concrete wall, which extends for a distance of 10 metres.

Describing the talks as ‘friendly’, Col. Kritchawit said that the Cambodian authorities acknowledged that the construction work violated bilateral agreements, and would order the Princess Crown Casino to return the site to its original state.

Representatives from the casino claimed to be unaware of the agreements in question, and while some of the wall was demolished this morning, other sectors remained, prompting the Thai side to promise further talks with the Cambodian authorities.

“Liaison between officials has proceeded well, and they have been prepared to operate in accordance with the agreements. But representatives from the casino are half-hearted about the agreements, and the Cambodian authorities will have to take further action”, Col. Kritchawit said. (TNA)-E006

[Pas]

How interesting. On this subject, I wonder why hasn't the Thai government legalize casino in some part of Thailand?

I know there had been talk about it before. Taksin has personally stated that he want to see casino like in Australia, Vegas, which are more family oriented.. less focus on gambling.
With good planning, it would make perfect sense to have these sort of casinos operating in a few restricted zones. Then there'll be no need for underground gambling or people crossing the border into Cambodia.

[GWR]

Samak proposes casino for Thailand - under another label
By Suchat Sritama
The Nation
Chiang Mai
Published on June 17, 2008

It's time for Thailand to have an entertainment complex housing a casino, sports arena and convention hall, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said yesterday.

To avoid criticism or a negative response from the public on hearing that money would be spent on building a casino, Samak called it an entertainment complex rather than a casino.

He put forward the idea while meeting with officials and representatives from the tourism industry in Chiang Mai last Saturday and talked about the project on his Sunday television programme.

"In other countries in the region, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore, they've already added a casino as a tourist attraction. For Thailand, we still have nothing similar," Samak told the meeting.

Samak's representative said the project was expected to be built near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

"The complex will feature a casino, sports activities, a shopping mall, hotels, a conference hall and recreational activities," the representative said.

She said Samak wanted to build the complex near the new airport on expectations it would attract more business to eastern Bangkok. Muang Thong Thani, which features huge exhibition halls and residences, is a good example of successful growth due to close proximity to an airport: Don Mueang.

"Being on the other side of Bangkok and near Suvarnabhumi Airport, the complex should act as a magnet for new businesses," she said.

However, a project budget, other details and a timeline have not yet been discussed.

Samak has been pushing the casino project since becoming prime minister.

At the Chiang Mai meeting, Samak also discussed with operators and agencies how to boost tourism in the North. With the soaring cost of jet fuel, Samak has ordered national carrier Thai Airways International to study the reintroduction of ATR aircraft, in order to provide low-cost services on short domestic routes like Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son.

Moreover, the Chiang Mai Convention Centre, first planned years ago, was reconsidered at the meeting. The government has made a commitment for it to be completed within two years. However, the cost of construction has jumped from the original Bt1.8 billion to Bt2.3 billion.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/06/17/national/national_30075720.php

[Jromerz]

Muang Thong Thani, which features huge exhibition halls and residences, is a good example of successful growth due to close proximity to an airport: Don Mueang.

Is this the reporter's view or something that Samak said?

All of the buildings in the Muang Thong Thani complex sat almost completely empty for years after it was built as the developers misjudged the demand. From what I understand the initial idea was that there would be a large influx of people from Hong Kong to Thailand after the British handover to China. The project was also listed having one of the world's biggest debts for a large scale building development. I wouldn't really call that a good example of successful growth.... :cool:
Not sure if this is entirely accurate, but it was reported a few times in the press.

[jpatokal]

To avoid criticism or a negative response from the public on hearing that money would be spent on building a casino, Samak called it an entertainment complex rather than a casino.
As usual, Singaporeans are ahead of the curve on this one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_resort