By Chayut Setboonsarng
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Casinos and related attractions would significantly boost foreign arrivals to Thailand, a top executive at the Asia-focused online travel agency Agoda said on Wednesday, as the tourism-reliant country moves closer to legalising gambling.
Thailand is planning to develop its first large scale “entertainment complex” that will include a casino, in its latest push to create jobs and draw in more tourists and investment.
“It’s the experience around gambling – think about Macau and Vegas, usually it comes with crazy shows, food and amazing hotels,” Agoda chief executive, Omri Morgenshtern, told Reuters.
Amusement parks, museums and activities for children were also important, he said, referring to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands as an example.
Casinos also do not have seasonality and can boost visitor numbers in the low season, Morgenshtern added.
Tourism is a crucial driver of Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which has seen 29% more…



























