Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ruled out legalising casinos during his tenure, saying gambling should not be used to stimulate the economy. He also signalled a review of poker’s legal status after the Sports Authority of Thailand approved its classification as a sport in July.
Anutin’s position puts casino legalisation off the government’s agenda and may affect poker’s current classification.
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Thailand’s government postponed the first parliamentary reading of its proposed Integrated Entertainment Complex Bill, which had been scheduled for 9 July. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said the delay reflected public misunderstandings and inadequate communication; a Senate committee separately recommended withdrawing the bill.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his government does not support legal casinos and will not pursue the shelved gaming legislation while he is in office. He said Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the position during a meeting the previous week and pledged to encourage Chinese tourism to Thailand.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is reported to have moved to prohibit poker games, tournaments and events in the country. The report also says advertising and marketing activity promoting them would be affected; the measure's status is not independently specified.
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said casino resorts were not the way to stimulate the economy and indicated legislators should wait for a different prime minister if they wanted to pursue them. His position contrasts with his predecessor's effort to advance an Entertainment Complex Bill, which had not produced a definitive result; Anutin also questioned whether legalising poker would boost tourism.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted, leaving the future of proposed casino legislation uncertain. The source says a rival political frontrunner could halt potential legislation but provides no further details on the bill’s status or next steps.