Tourism operators in Thailand's southern Songkla province, which borders Malaysia, have called for the government to consider allowing casino resorts to support tourism in the off-season.
Hat Yai in Songkla Province, Thailand's fifth largest city, is about 216 km (134 miles) away by road from George Town, a popular Malaysian tourist destination for international visitors. The latter city also has a significant Malaysian-Chinese population.
In Thailand, which is grappling with legalization of casinos, resorts with casinos are called "entertainment complexes." It has been reported that complexes may be allowed in major areas of the country to support tourism and economic development.
On Wednesday, the Bangkok Post quoted Songchai Meng Prasichai, president of the Songkla Tourism Promotion Association, as saying that areas around Bandhanok and Sadao checkpoints (pictured), the main entry points in southern Thailand, are likely to attract tourists interested in gambling.
Tourism in Songkla province is centered around Hath Yai as Malaysian visitors tend to detour Bhandan green, the tourism representative said.
The outlet said March data showed Songkla State was only 10th in Thailand in terms of tourism revenue, which stood at just 3.7 billion THB ($101.7 million).
"Tourism is not as consistent as it has been in the past, with 90% of foreign markets visiting Malaysia during the festival, even in Hat Yai, and now there are more options than Hat Yai," Mr. Songchai said.
He reportedly said demand for casino tourism in Songkla could be "high" given the number of tourists travelling to the casino resort of Genting Malaysia Bhd in Malaysia.
BY: 바카라사이트윈