Latest news with #EntertainmentComplex
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand unveils landmark entertainment complex to boost economy, tourism
BANGKOK: (Bernama) Thailand has unveiled plans for a landmark "Thailand Entertainment Complex' project, aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting international tourists and strengthening its global competitiveness. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the project was part of efforts to position Thailand as a premier destination for world-class attractions. "The complex is envisioned as a new economic engine, fostering tourism revenue and creating innovative industries to ensure sustainable economic growth,' he said in a statement on Thursday (June 5). The entertainment complex is anticipated to generate 12 to 40 billion baht in annual tax revenue while creating thousands of jobs, he said. Julapun said the government has submitted a draft bill to the House of Representatives to establish a regulatory framework for the complex. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Suksit Srichomkwan, said the complex will include a casino, which will operate under strict legal conditions and anti-money laundering measures. It will also feature concert halls, large convention and exhibition centres, amusement parks, museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and green spaces for outdoor activities. The project will be financed by private investment, sparing public funds, he said. - Bernama
Barnama
05-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Thailand Unveils Landmark Entertainment Complex To Boost Economy, Tourism
BANGKOK, June 5 (Bernama) -- Thailand has unveiled plans for a landmark 'Thailand Entertainment Complex' project, aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting international tourists and strengthening its global competitiveness. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the project was part of efforts to position Thailand as a premier destination for world-class attractions. 'The complex is envisioned as a new economic engine, fostering tourism revenue and creating innovative industries to ensure sustainable economic growth,' he said in a statement on Thursday. The entertainment complex is anticipated to generate 12 to 40 billion baht in annual tax revenue while creating thousands of jobs, he said.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Thailand unveils landmark entertainment complex to boost economy, tourism
BANGKOK: Thailand has unveiled plans for a landmark "Thailand Entertainment Complex" project, aimed at boosting economic growth, attracting international tourists and strengthening its global competitiveness. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the project was part of efforts to position Thailand as a premier destination for world-class attractions. "The complex is envisioned as a new economic engine, fostering tourism revenue and creating innovative industries to ensure sustainable economic growth," he said in a statement on Thursday. The entertainment complex is anticipated to generate between 12 billion and 40 billion baht in annual tax revenue while creating thousands of jobs, he said. Julapun said the government has submitted a draft bill to the House of Representatives to establish a regulatory framework for the complex. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, Suksit Srichomkwan, said the complex will include a casino, which will operate under strict legal conditions and anti-money laundering measures. It will also feature concert halls, large convention and exhibition centres, amusement parks, museums, Michelin-starred restaurants, and green spaces for outdoor activities. The project will be financed by private investment, sparing public funds, he said. — BERNAMA
Skift
20-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Hadiprana Family Launches Hospitality Company in Indonesia
With a Senate Committee formed in Thailand that has a lot of anti-casino members, Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister is defending the government's plan to establish IR casino entertainment complexes. The first recommendation from the Committee is for a public referendum on the issue, something we doubt the government wants to have happen. The propaganda being spread about how casinos will ruin the country's reputation is either something the government did not expect, meaning they did not research the global casino past, or they thought they could quickly pass the measure. Either way, this has gone from a near-sure thing to what we believe is a 50/50 chance of passing. The Deputy Finance Minister confirmed the ruling party's unwavering commitment to the Entertainment Complex project and expects Cabinet approval later this year. The South Korean Foreigners-Only casino past is one that should have been explored to make sure Thailand does not make the same mistakes they keep continuing to make. Inspire Entertainment Resort is South Korea's newest IR, and while Mohegan Gaming from the U.S. developed and opened it, Bain Capital forced them out and is currently trying to gain clear title. The Korea Times said Bain has put the property up for sale in an open market bidding process. The article said the open bidding process serves Bain both as a formal sale mechanism and as a way to enable third-party accounting firms to enable independent valuation as they try to get full ownership and secure legal title. The complex features three five-star hotel towers totaling 1,275 rooms, the nation's largest foreigner-only casino, a convention center, and Korea's first 15,000-seat multipurpose arena, along with a glass-domed indoor water park. The Hadiprana family, custodians of one of Indonesia's most respected architectural legacies, officially launched Hadiprana Hospitality. Under the leadership of the late Hendra Hadiprana's daughter, Puri Hadiprana, the company focuses on creating unique spaces that preserve Indonesia's cultural traditions through innovative, thoughtful design. The company includes four properties – Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana in Bali with 24 suites and villas; Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana offering four one-bedroom residences; Rumah Prapanca, a Residence by Hadiprana in South Jakarta; and the Bandarindu, a Hotel by Hadiprana, opening in 4Q26 in Bali. Almal Real Estate Development, based in the UAE, announced its strategic entry into the Southeast Asian market with the debut of The One by Almal in Bali, Indonesia. The launch signals the beginning of Almal's international footprint under its forward-looking 2030 expansion blueprint, with additional projects already in the pipeline for Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Mauritius. The One by Almal introduces a Residential Resort-Style living concept, seamlessly blending exclusive residences, villas, and townhouses with curated resort services, immersive wellness programs, and signature dining destinations. The first project in Nusa Dua will offer an elevated beachfront lifestyle designed for discerning residents and travelers alike. Indian Hotels Company announced the opening of Ginger Dehradun, bringing the brand's signature lean luxe philosophy to the capital of Uttarakhand. The hotel offers 72 rooms designed for comfort. Amenities include all-day dining at Qmin, a smart meeting room, a fully equipped fitness center, and community spaces. TGI Hotels and Resorts announced the launch of The Shore Trishvam – a Pondy Beach Resort nestled along the coastline of Puducherry in India. The premium property is owned by Jayaram Hotels. The Shore Trishvam has 65 rooms and six luxurious private pool villas. Facilities include expansive event spaces, gourmet dining experiences, a spa and wellness center, and easy access to the beachfront. The opening marks TGI Hotels and Resorts' second venture in Puducherry, following Atithi TGI Grand. CGH Earth Saha unveiled Hibiscus Villa, a private retreat nestled on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, India. The villa features three bedrooms, an airy living and dining area, and a fully equipped kitchenette. Each room opens up to calming views of the garden, pool, and lily pond, extending to the lake. A feature of the villa, which is geared for small families or groups, is its trio of outdoor lounging areas – a patio for alfresco dining, sunbed-lined poolside deck, and a cozy garden set up. Leisure Hotels Group marked its debut in Rajasthan, India, with an exclusive boutique jungle retreat in Ranthambore. Singhvilas is an eco-conscious jungle retreat offering 24 well-appointed villas, spread across three categories – Deluxe Cottage, Junior Suite Cottage, and Premium Suite Cottage. L'attitude is their all-day dining restaurant. Personnel Moves Wharf Hotels announced the appointment of Juergen Doerr as its Vice President, Operations; Eva Wong as Group Director, Digital Marketing; and Vireo Yeung as Group Director, Global Sales. They are all based at Wharf's headquarters in Hong Kong. Doerr joins Wharf Hotels from Vinpearl Holding Company, where he was CEO, overseeing 33 hotels, seven amusement parks, and five golf courses. Wong previously held leadership roles at Christian Dior Couture, Ralph Lauren, and prestige beauty brands. Yeung is a hotelier with over two decades of experience, starting at Wharf Hotels in July 2024 as Regional Director of Sales – Hong Kong and Taiwan. ECKO Hotels & Resorts announced Ankit Upreti as Co-Founder. His most prominent former position was with Lemon Tree Hotels, where he specialized in the pre-opening and positioning of new hotels. He co-created ECKO Hotels & Resorts. Long-time executive Tan Hee Teck is retiring as CEO of Genting Singapore and Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd at the end of this month. Genting Group Chair Lim Kok Thay will assume the role of Acting CEO of Genting Singapore, while Ms. Lee Shi Ruh, the current President of Resorts World Sentosa, will become the property's CEO. Tang decided to retire as he approaches his 70th birthday.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Thailand defends casino plan eyes Las Vegas-style resorts despite 'grey'" nation fears
BANGKOK: Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat (pic) has robustly defended the government's ambitious plan to establish integrated entertainment complexes, pushing back against concerns that the move could tarnish the country's reputation by associating it with a "grey" economy. Julapan questioned the logic of such claims, asking if nations with legalised casinos, such as the United States, Singapore, Japan, and Dubai, would similarly be labelled. He argued that the proliferation of illegal gambling dens across Thailand, often wilfully ignored, presents a far greater risk of a "grey" image than regulated casinos operating under strict legal and supervisory frameworks. He suggested that the criticism might represent the personal view of the Bank of Thailand governor rather than an official institutional stance. Undeterred, Julapan affirmed the government's unwavering commitment to the Entertainment Complex project, following the Cabinet's approval. The relevant draft legislation is now progressing towards parliamentary consideration. He stressed that the government's vision encompasses multifaceted national development, including wellness complexes alongside entertainment hubs, as a responsible administration must foster progress across all sectors. The current government aims to finally realise the Entertainment Complex project, a concept that has been discussed for three to four decades without tangible progress. They firmly believe it will be a "significant turning point" for Thailand's economy and tourism, attracting a minimum investment projected to exceed 100 billion baht and generating substantial economic growth. The anticipated timeline, assuming parliamentary approval, envisages approximately one year for the establishment of a dedicated regulatory body, the completion of feasibility studies, and the drafting of tender documents to invite private sector investment. The ambitious target is to break ground on construction within three years. Regarding potential locations, Julapan suggested large state-owned land plots, at least 300 rai per site, to mitigate land disputes and accommodate the extensive facilities planned within the complexes, such as museums, theme parks, and hotels. In a significant development, Julapan revealed strong interest from several world-renowned international companies in investing in the project. Notably, Wynn Development Co., Ltd., the owner of Wynn Resorts, a leading global integrated resort operator from Las Vegas, USA, has engaged in discussions. Chris Gordon, President of Wynn Development, met with Julapan to inquire about the project details and express keen interest, recognising Thailand's potential to attract major investment and its strong tourism appeal. He believes the initiative could elevate Thailand to a premier global entertainment destination. "The interest from leading companies like Wynn Resorts underscores their confidence in Thailand's potential," Julapan stated. " The government is committed to proceeding carefully to ensure economic growth, job creation, and new employment opportunities, alongside social stability and the benefits for the Thai people. We have updated Wynn Resorts executives on the progress of the draft legislation, which is expected to be submitted to Parliament around July this year." The legislation will incorporate stringent measures to combat money laundering and address potential social impacts, such as gambling addiction. Gordon added that Wynn Resorts already implements rigorous anti-money laundering and responsible gaming measures and is willing to share its global expertise and technology currently employed in its operations in the United States and other countries. Julapan concluded by noting that, in addition to Wynn Resorts, other world-class entertainment complex operators involved in related sectors like concerts, shows, and sports have also expressed interest and are actively seeking discussions with the government. - The Nation/ANN
