BANGKOK, Thailand -Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Governor of the Bank of Thailand (BoT), voiced his support for developing Thailand into a “wellness hub” rather than pursuing casino-centered entertainment complexes. Speaking at the “Meet the Press” event, he emphasized that the goal should not merely be to attract large numbers of tourists, but to create high “value-added” services, such as elderly care, which can appeal to a broader international market. He noted that Thailand already has the infrastructure to support such a shift.
The Governor warned against the risks of embracing gambling-based entertainment, particularly at a time when global conditions are uncertain. Following Moody’s recent shift in its outlook on Thailand to “negative,” due to concerns over governance and regulatory frameworks, he stressed the need for the country to maintain a “clean and correct” image. He noted that introducing casinos could further blur Thailand’s reputation and add unnecessary risks.
“Between entertainment complexes and wellness centers, wellness offers higher value and economic impact with lower risk,” Dr. Sethaput said. “Tourism is no longer just about numbers—travelers have many choices. We must focus on maintaining integrity.”
On the subject of the government’s proposed 10,000-baht digital wallet handout, the Governor reiterated his earlier concerns. He thanked policymakers for reassessing the policy’s suitability, noting that any stimulus must now be effective, financially responsible, and timely—especially amid increased foreign imports and limited fiscal space. He stressed that the effectiveness and value of such policies must be clearly demonstrated in the current economic context.
