Thailand is gearing up to redefine Southeast Asia’s entertainment landscape, and investors are buzzing. The government’s green light for integrated casino complexes has already drawn heavyweights like Genting Malaysia, Galaxy Entertainment, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment (NASDAQ:MLCO). Melco is wasting no time, opening a Bangkok office and calling Thailand a generational opportunity. These mega-complexes, featuring luxury hotels, arenas, and shopping malls, are projected to boost Thailand’s GDP by 0.7% and create 20,000 jobs. It’s not just about gamblingcasinos will take up a modest 5% of these tourism hubs, leaving the rest for experiences designed to pull in global visitors year-round.
Melco isn’t just playing the casino game; they’re doubling down on culture. Teaming up with Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee (THACCA), they’re rolling out Global Soft Power Talks, kicking off on February 24 with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse. Melco’s CEO Lawrence Ho is on a mission to elevate Thailand’s cultural clout, blending luxury and creativity to drive economic growth. This isn’t just lip servicethey’re also sending Thai creatives abroad for hands-on training in global hubs like France and Italy. Melco knows that empowering local talent is a long-term bet that pays dividends.
So, why should investors care? Analysts are already sizing up Thailand’s gaming market as the next Singapore, which raked in $4.5 billion in gaming revenue with just two resorts. Add in Thailand’s larger population and well-oiled tourism machine, and the upside is clear. The cherry on top? Online gambling legalization is moving fast, promising a potential $2.9 billion in annual revenue. With legislation expected to pass soon, Melco is positioning itself as the frontrunner in a market poised to become a regional powerhouse. For savvy investors, Thailand’s casino move isn’t just a gambleit’s a calculated play with massive upside.
This article first appeared on GuruFocus.