The Bangkok Post reported that a Senate committee voted down the proposal, citing concerns over potential social harm, heavy infrastructure costs, and risks to national security.
The bill was first introduced under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and later promoted by his successor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. However, progress stalled after Paetongtarn’s impeachment in July for her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. Paetongtarn, the daughter of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, had positioned the bill as a cornerstone of her administration’s economic strategy.
Critics slam rush to legalise casinos
A January poll by the National Institute of Development Administration showed many Thais feared casinos would fuel gambling addiction and crime. Nearly one-third of respondents worried about national security risks, while over 30% doubted the industry would deliver real economic benefits. Another 17% believed legalization would primarily enrich politicians and investors rather than ordinary citizens.
By contrast, during a March public consultation, the Thailand Fiscal Policy Office reported that 80% of participants supported the bill. The results were so lopsided that former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn questioned whether the process had been manipulated.
On Tuesday, Senator Chinachot Saengsang accused casino supporters of misleading the public by framing casinos as a minor element of broader entertainment complexes. “The casino is not a side feature – it’s the core of the proposal,” he said. “If the new government adopts casino legalization as policy, it risks eroding public trust and long-term governance.”
Entertainment resorts without casinos?
A media outlet described Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill as “dead in the water,” though the Senate committee acknowledged it could be revived under specific conditions.
Vice Chair Sornchat Vichaya Suwannaprom suggested several revisions, including stripping out the casino element entirely, introducing tightly controlled gaming facilities with limited access for Thai citizens, or imposing strict regulations on iGaming.
Lawmakers also floated a controversial “millionaire clause” designed to curb gambling addiction. The measure would have required locals to show savings of at least 50 million baht ($1.5 million) before being allowed to gamble. By comparison, Thailand’s average annual income was just 348,000 baht in 2023.
For now, the bill is effectively stalled. Acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the minority Bhumjaithai Party has ruled out advancing casino legislation during his tenure, which is expected to last only until a new government is formed within four months.
Looking ahead, The Thaiger predicts the proposal could resurface in 2026—if the ruling Pheu Thai Party can stabilize the political climate and secure a stronger coalition. Only then, the outlet noted, could Thailand hope to achieve the bill’s original goals: drawing foreign capital, boosting tourism, stimulating local economies, and creating jobs.
