The fate of the controversial bill depends on how much influence public sentiment has had
Thailand’s government is set to make a key decision on proposed casino legislation this week, a move that could reshape the country’s tourism and gaming industry. The Ministry of Finance has finalized a draft bill aimed at establishing entertainment complexes that include legal casinos, with supporters arguing that such facilities would boost economic growth and increase revenue from international visitors.
Public response to the proposal has been mixed. An online hearing conducted from February 28 to March 14 gathered input from more than 70,000 participants, with 80% reportedly backing the initiative. However, other surveys suggest a significant portion of the population remains concerned about potential social consequences, including gambling addiction and the influence of foreign businesses on the industry.
The initiative has sparked opposition from lawmakers and advocacy groups, particularly those focused on problem gambling. Critics argue that casino legalization was never a part of the Pheu Thai Party’s campaign platform and could have unintended effects on the country’s tourism sector. Some worry about potential backlash from China, a key source of visitors, if the policy leads to travel restrictions for Chinese citizens.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that relevant agencies reviewed the draft law and expressed broad support. If the cabinet discusses and approves the proposal on Thursday, it will then be forwarded to the House of Representatives for further debate. The bill is part of a broader effort to formalize entertainment complexes in a way that aligns with international tourism standards while generating sustainable investment in Thailand.
In a separate development, the government is also considering expanding the powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to strengthen financial market oversight. The proposed amendment would allow the SEC to accelerate investigations and legal proceedings in high-impact cases, aiming to protect investors and ensure market stability.
