Authorities in Thailand are considering the Bangkok Port as a possible location for an integrated resort (IR), given its size, location and riverfront access, but the necessary redevelopment of the site means that it’s unlikely to house the nation’s first casino, says expert Daniel Cheng.
The Khlong Toei Port has long been on the agenda for redevelopment, and a 2019 proposal for repurposing 376 hectares by the Port Authority of Thailand, which manages the infrastructure, sparked enthusiasm, particularly given the progress of the Entertainment Complex Business Act through the legislature.
According to reports, an initial 128-hectare initial development area was laid out by a government land subcommittee last December, including a zone for commerce, tourism, retail and hotels.
But Thailand’s IR bill is still under evaluation, even though some experts are hoping for a casino to open in the nation as early as 2029. And the massive scale of the port area to be redeveloped brings up significant questions about how, where and when a potential integrated resort could fit into the government’s plans.
“The Klong Toey site will bring the oft-overlooked subject of urban master planning to the fore. Integrated resorts are real estate behemoths that cannot be just parachuted into a location without due zonal planning. This is even more so if the site is situated in densely built-up areas. It is essential to ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure, prevent overcrowding and mitigate potential negative effects like increased traffic or environmental strain,” points out Cheng.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
