Thailand’s parliament postponed the planned 9 July first reading of the Entertainment Complex Act, which would allow up to five integrated resorts. The government said it needed more time to explain the bill to the public, and lawmakers have not set a new date for consideration.
The delay leaves operators and investors without a timetable for proposed integrated resorts in Thailand.
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Thailand’s government is advancing a bill that would allow casino operations within entertainment complexes, with a first parliamentary reading scheduled for 9 July. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the coalition had enough support to proceed, while Bhumjaithai and Prachachart have indicated opposition; critics cited missing feasibility studies and safeguards on gambling addiction and money laundering.
Thailand’s government postponed the first reading of its Entertainment Complex Bill, which would legalise casinos, from 9 April. Protesters called for the proposal to be withdrawn, while Chief Government Whip Wisut Chainarun said it had been delayed, not abandoned; Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended the plan.
Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party has shifted away from its proposed casino entertainment complexes and plans to prioritise wellness tourism, prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat said. The party intends to repurpose potential casino-zone sites for health and medical hubs; its earlier Entertainment Complex Bill was rejected by the Senate.
Thailand’s government withdrew its draft Entertainment Complex Bill, delaying plans for a regulated land-based casino market indefinitely, according to the report.
Thailand’s Parliament is expected to consider the entertainment complex bill on 9 April if it does not reach the House for review on 3 April, Chief Government Whip Wisut Chainarun said. The cabinet approved the bill on 27 March, but Parliament had not received a submission timetable; tourism and political figures expressed differing views on the proposal.