Thailand’s prime minister has supported a move to legalize casinos, aiming to create employment and regulate the illegal gaming sector.

Currently, gambling is only allowed at state-run horse races and the lottery, but illegal gambling and soccer betting are common.

The legal casino market could attract more tourists to Thailand, giving it competition for Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub.

The proposal involves developing entertainment complexes with casinos and other amenities, with private enterprises paying for building and operation costs.

However, opposition from the general populace and conservatives in the country has hindered progress.

Proponents argue that regulating illegal gambling would benefit Thailand, as it is already well-established but insufficiently monitored.

The government plans to collect taxes and regulate the grey economy, focusing on supervised gambling rather than promoting it.