Thailand's casino legalization plan threatens Chinese tourism

Tourism operators warn that the Chinese market could experience a significant decline if Thailand legalizes casinos.

The proposed legalization of casinos and online gambling in the kingdom is of concern not only to citizens, but also to tourism professionals and China.

See: Thailand: a majority of citizens against the legalization of casinos

A controversial subject at the heart of political debate

About 50 members of the Anti-Casino Youth Network march from Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge to Government House in Bangkok to protest against the bill to legalize casinos in Thailand, September 19, 2024. Photo: Chanat Katanyu

This sensitive issue was raised on Monday during the no-confidence debate against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

See: Thailand: Censorship debate puts government in danger

The opposition People's Party criticizes the government for promoting the legalization of casinos, a measure absent from the campaign pledges of the currently ruling Pheu Thai Party.

People's Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu says the government continues to push for the project despite negative signals from Beijing.

He points out, in particular, that Chinese President Xi Jinping raised this issue three times during the Prime Minister's recent official visit to China, a clear sign of Beijing's concern.

Growing concern among tourism stakeholders

A boat passes in front of Wat Arun in Bangkok. Photo: Apichart Jinakul

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Thai Travel Agents Association, shares this concern.

According to him, Beijing considers casinos as potential hotbeds of money laundering and could therefore decide to limit tourist travel to Thailand if this legalization succeeds.

"We have had several discussions with the Chinese authorities.

They have consistently expressed concern about the legalization of cannabis and plans for entertainment complexes that include casinos,” he said.

The consequences of this policy are already being felt in other Asian destinations with legal casinos, such as Singapore, the Philippines and especially Macau, which relies heavily on Chinese gambling tourism.

In Macau, restrictions put in place by China have led to a decline in the proportion of Chinese visitors, from 91.4% in 2021 to around 70% last year.

Furthermore, during a visit to Macau in December 2024, Xi Jinping explicitly called on the region to diversify its economy, implicitly highlighting Beijing's discomfort with gambling addiction.

Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn concludes:

“Legal casinos are a common practice in countries that want to revive their tourism sector.

However, the Thai tourism industry would be doing well if we did not adopt this type of activity.

We still consider that this policy creates more risks than opportunities for the industry."

See also:

Thailand moves forward with casino legalization bill

Tourism goes green in Thailand

Tourism: Why Thailand Won't Meet Its 2025 Targets?

Thailand's Tourism Expansion: From Songkran to Hidden Gems

Source: Bangkok Post