Myanmar is considering a plan to legalise casinos. Some already operate under special provisions but changes to the law are being proposed to encourage more tourism and tax collection.
A Chinese company is now working with a militia to help it develop a large border region in the southeast.
Aside from the casinos, economic activity is set to increase early next year when a second bridge across the Moei River, separating Thailand and Myanmar, is opened. The border crossing will help formalise and regulate travel between the two countries.
The casino developers hope the bridge will make it easier for Thai tourists to travel across the border, even if gambling remains illegal in both countries.
Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports Bangkok in neighbouring Thailand.
