The average expenditure of Thai tourists could rise 52% to 65,050 THB (US$1,785) per trip, Bloomberg reported, citing information on casino legalization studies by Thai lawmakers reportedly due to be submitted to the Thai parliament on Thursday (March 28).

It was separately reported that a real bill on casino legalization would be submitted to the House of Representatives on the same day.

Bloomberg's story about the study did not specify whether data referencing international and domestic tourists were combined. So far, there has been no indication that domestic visits to casinos could be banned.

The report said the country's annual tourism income may increase by as much as $12 billion. Bloomberg, citing the study, reported that the additional income generated could increase the country's gross domestic product growth by 1.16 percentage points.

The move could create at least 50,000 jobs if Thailand agrees to build five casino resorts in different regions, Thai Labor Minister Pippat Ratchakit Prakhan recently suggested, as quoted by the Bangkok Post newspaper.

Nevertheless, the minister said an employment and income survey was needed to see if domestic customers at Thai casinos could afford to gamble.

Bloomberg noted that a panel of lawmakers reviewing casino issues led by Deputy Finance Minister Houlapun Amonvivat recommended a number of safeguards to prevent Thais from becoming addicted to betting.

In another commentary on the topic on Tuesday, Pattaya News said it wanted to host the casino complex, citing the mayor of Pattaya, a popular beach resort southeast of the capital Bangkok.

Poramase Nampiches mentioned the possibility of creating such an event venue in Jomtien, near Pattaya.

Thailand's Royal Police were quoted as arguing that the casino complex should be built only at the distance from the community and educational institutions.

BY: 파친코