Thailand's tourism industry is poised for growth as HBO's "The White Lotus" Season 3 prepares to debut, with casino operator Melco Resorts expressing optimism about the country's future in gaming and hospitality.

The Royal Thai Government is finalizing legislation to authorize five integrated resorts (IRs) with casino facilities. Two IRs are expected in Bangkok, with additional locations in Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Industry analysts project annual gaming revenue could exceed $9 billion once the market matures.

Melco Resorts, led by CEO Lawrence Ho, has already established a presence in Thailand, opening an office there in early 2024. Ho believes the HBO series, filmed at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, will significantly boost Thailand's global tourism appeal, drawing parallels to how "Deadwood" increased tourism in South Dakota.

Current gambling options in Thailand are limited to the state lottery and horse racing, though illegal gambling remains widespread. Recent polls show approximately 80% of Thai citizens support expanding tourism offerings to include casino resorts, marking a shift from previous Buddhist conservative opposition.

Melco Resorts is awaiting final regulations before determining its investment strategy in Thailand. The company previously pursued opportunities in Japan's gaming market but withdrew, along with other major operators like Las Vegas Sands, due to regulatory delays and COVID-19 impacts. MGM Resorts remains the sole operator moving forward in Japan, with construction of an $8 billion resort scheduled to begin in April.

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