The government has been asked to open the first-ever entertainment-casino complex on Thai soil in Hat Yai to boost tourism, with only foreigners allowed to enter at first.

The suggestion was made by Sitthipong Sitthiphataraprabha, president of the Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotels Association, saying it will boost the economy.

"The advantage of Songkhla's Hat Yai district is that it is located near a neighbouring country [Malaysia]. If a legal casino is to be opened, illegal online gambling should not be allowed to exist so taxes can be properly collected from legal casinos," Mr Sitthipong said.

However, since there is still some opposition to legalising casinos, the government should focus on promoting the complex as a tourist attraction. In the beginning, only foreigners would be allowed to enter the complex, he suggested.

Mr Sitthipong went on to say that the complex will give tourism a boost as it will also feature amusement parks, hotels and restaurants.

"It is time for Thailand to legalise casinos. Neighbouring countries already have casinos, and many of their patrons are Thais," he said.

Meanwhile, the Move Forward Party (MFP) on Friday raised concerns over a report prepared by a special House committee on opening entertainment-casino complexes.

Rangsiman Rome said the study still lacked information regarding measures to tackle online gambling, money laundering and shady businesses.