Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft bill that seeks to legalise casinos in a bid to boost tourism and the economy.

From Euronews, in a bid to boost tourism and a sluggish economy, Thailand is mulling the legalisation of casinos. A draft bill, that was approved on Monday, is the first step in bringing gambling clubs to the country.

Some forms of gambling, such as betting on boxing and horse raising, are allowed in Thailand. However, casinos remain illegal.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters following the cabinet meeting that the bill would also help attract more investments and solve issues of illegal gambling

“It will benefit society as a whole in the future,” Paetongtarn said. “This is part of the government’s policy to support sustainable tourism, or man-made destinations, which was addressed in Parliament.”