Resistance to Thailand’s Entertainment Complex bill, which aims to legalize casinos, is growing. Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva warns the proposal could lead to significant social issues.
During a recent assembly on the government’s gaming initiative, former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva (2008–2011) urged lawmakers to reconsider legalizing land-based and online casinos.
He described gambling as a “major social problem” that harms individuals, families, and communities. Abhisit also cautioned that legal casinos could attract criminal activity and heighten the risk of money laundering in Thailand.
Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized the proposal, calling it “dangerous.” He warned that online gambling, in particular, could lead to higher household debt and rising crime rates, posing a serious risk to society.
Supporters of the plan argue that integrating casinos into “entertainment complexes” would boost Thailand’s global appeal, generate tens of thousands of jobs, and bring regulation to an industry that currently operates underground.
The proposal has also attracted interest from major international gaming operators, including Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Galaxy Entertainment, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and Genting Malaysia.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat estimates that these complexes could generate up to THB220 billion (£5 billion/€6.2 billion/$6.4 billion) in tourism revenue and potentially increase Thailand’s GDP by 5%.
A rush job?
Abhisit Vejjajiva joins a growing wave of opposition against the bill, which critics argue is being rushed through the legislative process to revive Thailand’s struggling economy.
Last month, the Thai cabinet gave its initial approval to the bill, pending further review and amendments. It is now under consideration by the Council of State (COS), a government advisory body that has already raised concerns about its content.
COS members believe the bill prioritizes gaming over a more diverse approach to tourism. Secretary-General Pakorn Nilprapunt has also criticized the rapid push for such a complex piece of legislation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has urged lawmakers to improve public communication on the issue.
“This is still a new topic for Thailand, so we need to explain it clearly,” she said last month. “If we can ensure transparency, it will benefit the country. Relevant ministries will work on the details to provide a full picture for everyone.”
“One of the worst pieces of legislation”
Public skepticism remains strong, with many opposition lawmakers and citizens unconvinced by the proposed bill.
Last month, People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome told the Bangkok Post that the legislation lacks robust anti-money laundering (AML) measures. “Shady Chinese businesses have used Thailand as a hub for illegal activities,” he said. “Yet, the government has no clear strategy to address this issue.”
Thai Sang Thai Party (TST) leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan criticized the bill as “one of the worst pieces of legislation ever written,” arguing that it prioritizes legalizing gambling over meaningful economic growth and lacks proper oversight.
Doubts about the bill’s economic benefits persist. A Phuket News report in January cited a source from the National Economic and Social Development Council who suggested that casino revenues are often overstated, as gaming does not directly contribute to production.
Public opposition is also evident in recent surveys. A poll by the Centre for Gambling Studies found that half of the 8,000 respondents opposed legalizing casinos. The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF) has launched a petition calling for a referendum on the issue, with SGF Secretary-General Thanakorn Komkris stating in January that it had already secured 70,000 signatures.
Healthcare experts warn that an online gambling element could pose serious risks, particularly for younger populations. The Thaiger quoted Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, director of the ThaiHealth Promotion Foundation, who revealed that more than four million Thai youth and young adults are already struggling with gambling addiction, endangering both their financial and mental well-being.
“The impact goes beyond the individual,” he cautioned. “One gambling addict negatively affects 10 to 17 people around them.”
Full speed ahead
Despite opposition, the government insists a public referendum is unnecessary, arguing that legalizing gaming was a core promise of Shinawatra’s campaign.
When asked about the possibility of a referendum, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dismissed the idea, stating, “No. Not necessary.”
Thaksin, the father of the current prime minister and the influential figure behind the ruling Pheu Thai Party, emphasized that the proposed entertainment complexes would offer more than just casinos. He highlighted their inclusion of hotels, restaurants, retail areas, theme parks, and concert venues to create a comprehensive tourism experience.
“In Singapore, the casino occupies less than 10% of the entire complex,” he explained. He also argued that the initiative would help alleviate Thailand’s debt crisis and stimulate an economy still struggling to recover from the impact of COVID-19.
“Too often, when people reach into their pockets, all they find are pawn tickets,” he remarked.
According to Secretary-General Prommin Lertsuridej, the legislation could be enacted within seven to nine months, with the first resorts expected to open by 2029.
The draft bill outlines five initial locations for the casino resorts: two in Bangkok, and one each in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Over time, lawmakers could approve up to 20 such complexes across Thailand.
