Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill, previously delayed in its path to parliament, is now under a special review by the Senate. This latest move may postpone potential legalization until 2026 or later.
Approved by the cabinet in March, the legislation has faced delays due to public backlash.
Just last week, around 1,200 people gathered in Bangkok to protest the proposed bill, which aims to legalize five casino resorts across Thailand. In a separate demonstration, 300 motorcyclists rode from Government House to parliament, urging lawmakers to abandon the contentious proposal.
In response to growing criticism, Senator Sorachat Wichaya Suwanphrom proposed forming a senate panel, which is scheduled to begin its review on 23 April. According to a source cited by the Bangkok Post, the review process could take up to 180 days—potentially pushing the bill’s progress into next year and delaying final approvals until 2027.
However, gaming analyst Brendan Bussmann, managing partner at B Global, suggests that such a delay may not be a bad outcome.
Don’t rush a billion-dollar decision
“You only get one shot at building a well-regulated market,” said Brendan Bussmann, managing partner at B Global. “Taking extra time could lead to a stronger framework, grounded in proven practices, rather than rushing and limiting the market’s full potential due to unresolved issues.”
And the market potential is significant. Thailand’s gross gaming revenue (GGR) is projected to reach as much as 308 billion baht (£7 billion/€8.36 billion/$9.1 billion) annually—enough to position the country as the world’s third-largest gaming market, trailing only Macau and Las Vegas.
The government also expects a 5% to 10% increase in foreign tourist arrivals if integrated resorts are developed in locations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, and Phuket. According to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, tourism revenue alone could rise by as much as 220 billion baht.
Additionally, these resorts are forecast to generate between 9,000 and 15,000 new jobs.
Bill defenders: Not just about casinos
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong has criticized the media for focusing too heavily on the casino element of the proposed entertainment complexes. “This is a special initiative aimed at attracting investment and boosting national revenue,” he clarified.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra echoed this sentiment, dismissing the growing protests as part of a “political game.”
“The reality is that legal casinos would be restricted to just 10% of each entertainment complex—not spread across the country, as some have misleadingly suggested,” she explained. Writing on her official Facebook page, the Prime Minister emphasized that her main objective is to revitalize Thailand’s tourism sector, which is still rebounding from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2024, Thailand recorded 35.6 million international tourist arrivals—an increase of 34% compared to 2023—but still fell short of the 40 million target.
Is this the end of Thailand casinos?
Pheu Thai secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong has criticized the media for focusing too heavily on the casino element of the proposed entertainment complexes. “This is a special initiative aimed at attracting investment and boosting national revenue,” he clarified.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra echoed this sentiment, dismissing the growing protests as part of a “political game.”
“The reality is that legal casinos would be restricted to just 10% of each entertainment complex—not spread across the country, as some have misleadingly suggested,” she explained. Writing on her official Facebook page, the Prime Minister emphasized that her main objective is to revitalize Thailand’s tourism sector, which is still rebounding from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
In 2024, Thailand recorded 35.6 million international tourist arrivals—an increase of 34% compared to 2023—but still fell short of the 40 million target.
