Thailand Delays Casino Bill for Further Review

The Thai government has postponed its final review of the proposed casino-entertainment complex bill, citing the need for further public consultation and legal scrutiny. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that while the bill remains under consideration, her administration is in no hurry to push it through without addressing all concerns from stakeholders and the public.

The bill, which was expected to be discussed by the Cabinet this week, is now being delayed pending a public hearing by the Ministry of Finance, scheduled to conclude on Friday.

Government Stresses Need for Careful Deliberation

At a press conference, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized the importance of thorough examination before advancing legislation that could significantly impact Thailand’s economy and regulatory framework. She reiterated that Thailand has never had legal casinos before, and therefore, every aspect of the proposal must be carefully considered.

“I would like all details to be carefully reviewed,” Paetongtarn stated. “I don’t want the ministry to rush it to the Cabinet because Thailand has never had casinos before. It is crucial for the ministry to gather opinions on the bill and its related regulations”.

One of the key points still under discussion is a proposed restriction that would require Thai citizens to have at least 50 million baht (USD 1.5 million) in their bank accounts for at least six months before they can enter a casino complex. Pakorn Nilpraphun, secretary-general of the Council of State, confirmed that this condition remains unchanged for now, but any potential revisions will be handled by the Ministry of Finance.

Public Opposition and Industry Concerns

The bill has faced growing opposition from protest groups, which have rallied outside Government House in Bangkok. Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt movement, led protests against both the casino bill and a separate amendment to the Gambling Act, which could legalize certain forms of online gambling.

Opponents argue that the current draft of the bill lacks strong measures to prevent underage gambling, does not specify clear regulations on casino sizes, and does not sufficiently address tax structures and licensing fees. Additionally, concerns have been raised about allowing casinos to work with junket operators, which critics claim could increase the risk of money laundering.

Despite these concerns, industry leaders see potential in the bill. Rosalind Wade, CEO of Winna Media, which organized the Thai Entertainment Complex Summit last December, believes that Thailand is well-positioned to attract tourists with large-scale entertainment resorts. She noted that a White Paper on the legal framework will be released next week.

Planned Casino Locations and Next Steps

Although the bill has yet to pass, Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Special Committee has already outlined four initial locations for casino-entertainment complexes:

• Bangkok (potential sites include Bangkok Port and the EM District shopping malls)
• Chon Buri (near U-Tapao Rayong–Pattaya International Airport)
• Chiang Mai (proposed sites in Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng districts)
• Phuket (potential site near Phuket International Airport)

The committee expects these integrated resorts to attract 50 million annual visitors and create at least 40,000 jobs. The total investment for the project is estimated at 500 billion baht .

However, local groups, such as the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA), have expressed skepticism about whether casinos will truly boost tourism or harm the region’s cultural identity.

Lawmakers have until April 10, 2025, to finalize the bill during the current parliamentary session. If not passed by then, the proposal may be postponed until a special session or carried over to the next legislative cycle.

Source:

Thai special gaming commission announces four casino locations, but bill not yet passed, Macau Business, March 14, 2025.