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.
Uncertainty over the legislation affects operators and investors considering Thailand’s potential casino market.
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Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said casinos would not be legalised while he is in office, saying the country would need another prime minister for that to happen. The Entertainment Complex Bill was removed from the parliamentary agenda on 8 July after lawmakers withdrew it. Anutin argued that the proposal had harmed tourism, while Tourism Authority of Thailand official Natthriya Thaweevong cited other factors behind the decline in Chinese visitors.
Thailand’s Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra pending an ethics investigation, and a planned House debate on the Entertainment Complex Bill was delayed by at least a month. An analysis argued that the political crisis could stall the proposal, which would allow up to five casino resorts; six global operators were reportedly interested.
Thailand’s Senate Special Committee chair Veerapun Suvannamai and Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul have called for a referendum on the proposed casino bill, according to the report. The committee argues that constitutional issues may require public approval, while Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra supports legal casinos in entertainment complexes; the committee has invited her to attend on 5 June.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended a bill proposing casinos within special entertainment complexes, saying it could attract foreign investment, tourism and tax revenue. She said the proposal would include strict rules, background checks and security standards. Stop Gambling Foundation secretary-general Thanakorn Komkrit criticised the plan, citing money-laundering risks described by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra defended the proposed entertainment complexes, saying they would use private and foreign capital and include tightly regulated gaming facilities. She said the plans would include security measures and background checks; a Stop Gambling Foundation official warned that casinos could enable money laundering. The bill’s first reading was postponed to the legislative session due to start in July.