On March 26, 2025, Mr. Julaphan Amornwiwat, a member of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party, provided an update on the draft bill concerning the Entertainment Complex, a comprehensive legislation aimed at regulating entertainment businesses in Thailand. During a press briefing at the Parliament, he confirmed that the draft has been sent back to the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SLK) after receiving feedback from various agencies, and it is now awaiting approval for inclusion on the Cabinet's agenda.
"After the draft was confirmed and opinions were collected from several agencies, it has now been sent to the SLK for further consideration. We expect it to be reviewed by the Cabinet soon," Mr. Julaphan stated. The draft is seen as a crucial step in promoting investment in the entertainment sector while ensuring transparency and accountability in its operations.
As part of the legislative process, the Ministry of Finance has been actively involved in gathering public opinions. Between February 28 and March 14, 2025, the Ministry conducted its fifth round of public consultations regarding the Entertainment Complex bill, attracting participation from over 71,000 individuals. Remarkably, approximately 80% of respondents expressed their support for the legislation, while 20% raised concerns about specific provisions.
Feedback from the public highlighted several key areas for improvement. Participants suggested refining definitions within the bill to enhance clarity, increasing the authority to promote investment, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of entertainment businesses. Additionally, there were calls for collaboration with both domestic and international agencies to foster business development and to implement governance guidelines to prevent money laundering within the industry.
Mr. Julaphan emphasized the importance of considering all suggestions to maximize the benefits of the legislation for the country. He noted, "The Ministry of Finance will carefully evaluate every proposal and concern to ensure that this project serves the nation's interests in terms of investment and revenue generation."
Among the concerns raised, some participants questioned the proposed requirement for a minimum deposit of 50 million baht in a bank account for at least six months before businesses could qualify for licensing under the new law. Critics argued that this could hinder smaller enterprises from entering the market.
Alternative suggestions included lowering the deposit requirement to 10 million baht and allowing the use of other forms of collateral, such as shares or real estate, to meet the financial criteria. There were also proposals to adjust income verification processes, such as accepting tax returns from the previous three years as proof of financial stability.
Furthermore, participants called for the establishment of clear guidelines regarding the operational parameters for entertainment businesses, including the regulation of gambling activities and measures to promote responsible gaming practices.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, the anticipation surrounding its potential impact on Thailand's economy continues to grow. The Entertainment Complex is expected to not only attract foreign investment but also create job opportunities and stimulate local economies.
Mr. Julaphan reiterated the government's commitment to transparency and collaboration in this endeavor. He stated, "We aim to ensure that the Entertainment Complex legislation not only meets the needs of investors but also addresses the concerns of the public and promotes a sustainable entertainment industry in Thailand."
With the Cabinet's consideration expected imminently, the focus now shifts to how this legislation will shape the future of Thailand's entertainment landscape. Stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring developments, eager to see how the government will balance investment promotion with public interest and regulatory oversight.
As the draft bill awaits further deliberation, it remains clear that the Entertainment Complex initiative has the potential to redefine the entertainment industry in Thailand, fostering an environment conducive to growth while safeguarding the interests of the community.
In conclusion, the legislative journey of the Entertainment Complex bill reflects a broader ambition to enhance Thailand's economic landscape through responsible regulation and strategic investment in the entertainment sector.
