This potential "paradise on Earth" wants to attract wealthy tourists. This idea was illegal until recently.

Thailand has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a $3 billion entertainment complex that will boost tourism and stimulate economic growth. What's controversial about the idea?

Some countries struggle with an excess of tourists, while others are counting on their arrival. Tourism plays a key role in the economy of Thailand , for example.

According to a World Bank report , spending by domestic and international tourists in Thailand last year exceeded $80 billion. It seems that the country's authorities... want more.

The Thai government plans to open a new entertainment complex that is expected to help boost the country's GDP , triple average tourist spending , and create thousands of new jobs .

Illustrative photo / photo: Unsplash, Florian Wehde

Potential locations for such a complex include Bangkok , Chon Buri , Chiang Mai and Phuket . According to Nikom Boonwiset , vice-chairman of the special committee overseeing the entertainment complex project, these locations were chosen because of their popularity with tourists.

Importantly, the complex is to offer access to attractions all year round , which is to affect visits also outside the season. What can we expect from such a place? A five-star hotel , a shopping and congress-exhibition center, amusement parks , a sports arena , and also ... a casino .

Casino, sample photo / photo: Unsplash, Michał Parzuchowski

Well, that last attraction is causing the most discussion. Why? The announcement comes two months after the Thai government approved a bill legalizing gambling . Until now, most forms of gambling have been illegal in Thailand .

Opponents of the idea believe that the current version of the draft law on entertainment complexes will encourage young people to gamble. Additionally, the draft may contain legal loopholes that facilitate money laundering .

Regardless, Thailand is hoping to become one of the most popular entertainment destinations in the next ten years alongside Las Vegas and Macau . According to Thai media reports, the local government has already received interest in the project from popular casino brands such as Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts .

A new rule will soon come into effect: What happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand...

Bangkok Thailand / Unsplash - Geoff Greenwood