ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES IN THAILAND’S FUTURE: ECONOMIC PROSPECTS AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

The development of entertainment complexes in Thailand has increasingly garnered attention from the public sector, private investors, and society as a whole. The concept of establishing integrated entertainment complexes aimed to stimulate the economy, boost tourism revenue, and generate new employment opportunities, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted the national economy. This article focused on analyzing the role of entertainment complexes in shaping Thailand’s future through multiple dimensions, including economic, social, cultural, and legal perspectives. Drawing on academic research, scholarly articles, and international case studies, the article evaluated both the opportunities and challenges posed by such developments. While entertainment complexes have the potentials to generate substantial national income, ethical concerns and risks related to social issues, such as gambling addiction, increased crime rates, and economic inequality, remain critical points of debate. These challenges must be carefully managed through effective legal frameworks and public policies. Accordingly, this paper proposed policy recommendations to ensure that the development of entertainment complexes provides long-term, sustainable benefits for Thai society.