Thailand (temporarily) buries its casino bill

The Thai government withdrew the casino bill from the House of Representatives' agenda on Tuesday, July 8.

Commonly referred to as the "Casino Bill," it was a flagship bill of the government led by Pheu Thai Party member Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Casino in Thailand: a controversial project

Anti-casino protesters outside the government headquarters on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Photo: Apichart Jinakul/Bangkok Post

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed after the cabinet meeting that the decision was made at the request of the Finance Ministry.

The withdrawal marks the end of the government's efforts to provide the country with such complexes, which were to include casinos.

The bill has sparked fierce criticism and a series of public protests, despite the government's insistence that it would attract investment, combat illegal gambling and boost tourism in Thailand.

See: Thailand's Casino Bill Is a Ticking Time Bomb

Regarding casinos, the government stated that they would be limited to a maximum of 10% of the resorts' "business," with the remaining 90% being devoted to other attractions, including:

• Amusement parks
• Water parks
• Theaters
• Multi-purpose sports halls
• Artificial tourist facilities

The plan was included in Paetongtarn's policy statement, announced in parliament when she took office as prime minister last September.

She is currently suspended from her duties.

See: Thunderclap in Thailand: Prime Minister suspended

The government approved the draft in principle on March 13 and instructed the Council of State to review the proposal urgently, taking into account comments from relevant agencies and the government's review committee.

In April, Paetongtarn announced that the first reading of the bill, which was scheduled to be debated in parliament the following day, was postponed due to more urgent matters requiring attention.

She insisted that the bill was simply delayed, not withdrawn, and would be reintroduced during the next parliamentary session in July.

Jirayu said that following the June 30 cabinet reshuffle, which dismissed some ministers and appointed new ones, the Cabinet Secretariat reviewed the issue and accepted the Finance Ministry's request to withdraw the bill.

"This decision was also motivated by the broad social implications of the bill, which require more time to be understood and accepted by the public.

The government therefore deemed it appropriate to withdraw the bill from the House's consideration," Jirayu said.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said they "accepted that this was not the appropriate time."

"It's a shame, this postponement is a missed opportunity for the country," he told the media.

The fragile parliamentary majority behind the withdrawal of the casino bill?

Thai Parliament. Photo: Thai PBS World

Political commentators, however, say the move is a result of Pheu Thai's fragile parliamentary majority, following the Bhumjaithai Party's departure from the coalition a few weeks ago.

See: Hun Sen betrayal sows discord in Thailand: coalition breaks up

Worse still, Paetongtarn was suspended by order of the Constitutional Court for allegedly violating the code of ethical conduct, in connection with the contents of a leaked recording of a conversation between her and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen.

The withdrawal of the casino bill reflects ongoing political tensions in Thailand, as well as persistent divisions within society over the legalization of gambling .

While the government insists on the temporary nature of this decision, its future remains uncertain, in a context of institutional crisis and political restructuring.

See also:

Thailand Casino Bill: The Games Are Off

Thailand: Casino bill faces wave of protests

Thailand's casino legalization plan threatens Chinese tourism

Thailand: Majority of citizens against legalizing casinos

Source: Thai PBS World