Khun Iam Thawonwongwong, Chairman of Phuket Chamber of Commerce told the Phuket Post: "At the present, I am unable to agree or disagree with the idea of casinos on Phuket because we have not yet been given clear details by the central Thai government. For example, we don't know which section of commerce would be commissioned to carry out projects like this, on Phuket or elsewhere. Government or individual?

"The casino project is a huge plan, only in its nascent stage now. We need to learn more and inquire with people who posses the requisite vision. We need to look carefully at the advantages and disadvantages," he warns.

"Casinos on Thailand, it is being said, will not be for everybody. There will be various controlling factors, such as taxes, duties and we will need to make sure that casino-owners do not exploit the players. In Malaysia, a player has to deposit $5,000 before being allowed in. In case the player loses all his money on any night, he can get the $5,000 deposit, to return home with. Gamblers have to provide credit card and financial details as well, even to be eligible. These measures and more can be introduced to avoid exploitation and other negative consequences."

K. Iam believes that casino projects are easy to build in large places like Singapore, where they have effective governmental management. "On Phuket, it's difficult to find an area as large as the one in Singapore, and land prices are shooting through the roof here, so the government will pay a lot of money if it wants to start a casino on Phuket." K. Iam suggests that it would perhaps be a better idea to build casinos on islands around Phuket, effectively creating a separate area where players can head by boat.

"In Malaysia," he points out, "there are not only casinos, but entertainment complexes with games and activities for children. The casino hub there has more than 5,000 rooms from multiple hotels. A destination like this can be a nice holiday for tourists."

"But we have to know, for example, how big a casino should be built on Phuket. If we try and compete with our neighbouring countries in terms of size, I'm afraid we will not be able to equal them in other ways. Also, it's important to remember that the main draw from tourists on Phuket are the beautiful beaches, the views, the island. Do we really need casinos when we already have so much to attract tourists?"

"We are also battling increased crowds and traffic as it is. Casinos may serve to only increase these problems. At present, the Thai government is evaluating the pros and cons of this project and are also looking to learn what the people have to say. There are other things to consider: water, electricity, the quantity of rubbish generated; Phuket is already facing a garbage disposal crisis. It will take ages, may be about 2-3 years to only just evaluate the merits of the project. In my opinion, casinos are not really necessary for Phuket."

K.Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of TAT Region 4 shares K. Iam's reservations about commissioning casinos on Phuket. "Phuket is a beautiful island that has enough and more to attract tourists," she says.
"I believe the casinos on Phuket are unnecessary. Perhaps we should think about building them in other cities that are yet undeveloped, such as in the north-west of Thailand, so we can help them progress. For Phuket, this may only compound the problems that exist."

K. Suwalai also cites problems of water, electricity and garbage disposal on Phuket and mentions the lack of infrastructure at the airport. "If we build casinos here, it'll just be a jumble. We need to think carefully about where to build these casinos.

"I for one certainly believe that tourists come to Phuket to see the beautiful scenery and to relax. If we build casinos in other areas of Thailand, gambling tourists can go there directly, without putting more pressure on Phuket's infrastructure; this would also help shift the tourists and disperse income all over the country.

K.Iam agrees that casinos should be in provinces that are yet undeveloped. "For example," he says, "Las Vegas America was a deserted wasteland before they introduced casinos...and now look where they are. We could do the same in Thailand. It will help disperse income and what's more, it will create jobs where they are needed most."