MUKDAHAN : Laos will open its first casino complex along the Thai-Lao border opposite Mukdahan province in November. Construction of the Savan Vegas casino-cum-entertainment complex at Nongdeune village in Laos' Savannakhet province is now 80% complete. The project includes a casino, a five-star hotel with 160 rooms, restaurants, an amusement park, an aqua-park and a traditional spa service centre.

Laos is the last neighbouring country of Thailand, after Malaysia, Burma, and Cambodia, to open a casino to serve foreign tourists, particularly Thais.

Apichart Phetcharat, the Thai consul in Savannakhet, said tour patterns to Laos might change after the Savan Vegas casino complex opens. The project is expected to draw more tourists to Laos.

State agencies should prepare to deal with problems that might arise from the operation of the casino near the Thai border, he said.

The economy in Savannakhet was booming, with many foreigners investing in projects in Kaisornpromviharn town.

In the past, Thai investors invested heavily in Laos.

Since last year, large investments had come in from other countries, particularly China and Vietnam.

Savan Vegas hotel:  http://www.savanvegas.com

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