The government is officially putting the plans on hold amid public resistance and political scandals
Thailand’s initiative to legalize casinos and entertainment complexes has come to an abrupt halt for 2025. Just recently, the Thai cabinet decided to withdraw a draft law intended to establish a regulated gambling industry. The government cited the need for more public consultation and understanding before proceeding with the proposal.
The plan to legalize casinos was initially part of the government’s broader vision to develop a thriving gaming industry to complement the country’s tourism sector, a major economic driver. The draft bill was scheduled for debate in parliament on Wednesday, but the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court last week, coupled with the recent departure of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition, left the government with a slim majority in parliament. These political uncertainties made it difficult to secure the necessary support for the bill’s passage.
Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub stated that the issues raised by the bill required more time for public engagement and, therefore, it was best to withdraw it from parliamentary deliberations for the time being. The spokesperson did not specify when the bill might be reintroduced.
Gambling is largely illegal in Thailand, with exceptions for the state-run lottery and some sports betting, including horse racing. Despite this, successive governments have pushed for the legalization of casinos, hoping that they would attract more international visitors, create jobs, and generate additional state revenue. The Pheu Thai party had hoped to secure investments worth at least 100 billion baht ($3 billion) and anticipated a 10% increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
However, the proposal faced significant opposition. A January opinion poll showed that many Thais disapproved of the idea, and some political groups argued that the legalization of gambling would lead to increased social problems. With the bill’s withdrawal, the future of Thailand’s casino legalization efforts remains uncertain.
