Is the Thailand Entertainment Complex Bill Doomed?
Mounting opposition to the proposed bill—designed to legalize five integrated casino resorts across Thailand—may stall what could become a multibillion-dollar industry. With strong resistance from various sectors, the future of the legislation now hangs in the balance.
The Thailand Entertainment Complex Bill, initially expected to be reviewed in parliament during the legislative session ending on 9 April, has been delayed until at least July. The Pheu Thai-led government postponed the bill due to mounting opposition, including resistance from its coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party.
In parallel, the Senate has established a special committee to conduct an in-depth study of the proposed legislation. The panel is expected to present its findings by October.
Currently, gambling in Thailand is limited to horse racing and the national lottery. However, analysts estimate that legalizing casino resorts could generate gross gaming revenue (GGR) of up to 308 billion baht (£7 billion/€8.36 billion/$9.1 billion) annually—making Thailand the third-largest gaming market globally, behind only Macau and Las Vegas.
Despite the economic potential, critics argue that the government is attempting to rush the bill without thorough examination or sufficient consideration of the potential downsides. Some detractors accuse Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of pushing the agenda under the influence of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has long supported both land-based and online gambling initiatives.
On 26 March, Paetongtarn survived a no-confidence vote initiated by opposition leaders who claimed she was merely a proxy for her father. She emerged from the vote with a strong margin—319 in favor to 162 against.
Paetongtarn defends casino legislation
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reiterated her strong backing for the Entertainment Complex Bill, emphasizing its potential to boost Thailand’s post-pandemic tourism recovery.
While the proposed developments will include gambling facilities, she clarified that “only 10% of each complex will be allocated for casino operations.” She stressed that the bill does not authorize widespread casino openings across the country.
“These projects will include multiple hotels and restaurants, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating local economies,” she said. “Revenue generated from casino operations will help cover the initial investment costs.”
The government has identified four locations for the five planned entertainment complexes: Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Bangkok—with the capital city set to host two resorts.
Researcher: Referendum ‘the only solution’
Opposition to Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill shows no signs of slowing, with widespread public protests continuing to challenge the government’s plan.
Last month, crowds took to the streets of Bangkok, waving signs and chanting slogans against casino legalization. Protest leaders claimed to have submitted a petition with 100,000 signatures to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, urging her administration to reconsider the proposal.
One high-profile demonstration was led by former “red shirt” activist Jatuporn Prompan, who warned that legalized casinos and online gambling would “ruin our nation and weaken our people,” according to the Bangkok Post.
Political analyst Stithorn Thananithichot, director of the Office of Innovation for Democracy, told the Post that the public must be included in the decision-making process. “The government tries to push the bill forward, only to retreat under pressure,” he said. “A referendum is the only viable path forward.”
Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Paetongtarn has maintained that the proposal is still under consideration and deserves a thorough review.
“All issues must be carefully examined,” she said last month. “After all, Thailand has never had casinos before.”
