Call for referendum erupts anew as Thailand’s casino bill hits deadlock
Academics and experts are again urging a referendum on Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex policy, citing concerns over corruption, crime, and gambling addiction, The Nation reported. Speaking at a roundtable discussion hosted by Krungthep Turakij, scholars cautioned that without strict regulations, the policy could have significant societal and economic consequences.
Thanakorn Komkrit, the Secretary-General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, criticised the lack of a regulatory body and the absence of public consultation. He called for public inputs and an update to Thailand’s 90-year-old Gambling Act and stronger legal frameworks to prevent unchecked expansion of the casino industry.
Nonarit Bisonyabut, a senior researcher at the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), emphasised the need to minimise negative effects, particularly regarding corruption and money laundering. He cautioned that granting licences to select business operators could create monopolies and lead to exploitation.
To safeguard public interest, he urged the government to introduce strict regulatory mechanisms and ensure that local residents are consulted in the decision-making process.
Bill lacks Singapore’s winning formula
Despite being modelled after Singapore’s entertainment complex framework, the proposed bill has been criticised for lacking crucial safeguards. Experts cautioned that Singapore has banned 300,000 individuals from casino entry and introduced strong addiction support services, something that remains a measure missing from Thailand’s proposal.
Economic concerns were also raised by experts. Some warned that weak law enforcement could result in unregulated gambling, increased crime, and economic instability. And so, calls for public consultations have risen in recent times.
The demand for a referendum echoes similar calls by House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, who has pushed for nationwide discussions on the project. Speaking at a seminar organised by a House committee on anti-drug trafficking and anti-money laundering, he acknowledged both the economic benefits and the social risks of legalising casinos.
While he refrained from stating his own position, he insisted that public participation must play a central role in the decision.
Deadlock delays casino legalisation
The bill, initially scheduled for cabinet deliberation on 11 March 2025, was unexpectedly delayed amid mounting opposition. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stressed that the proposal should not be rushed, calling for a thorough review of its legal and economic implications. She reiterated that all perspectives, including those opposed to the bill, must be considered before any final decision is made.
Meanwhile, a survey conducted by Nida Poll between 18 and 20 March revealed widespread public concern. The poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 Thai nationals aged 18 and over, highlighted fears over increased problem gambling and the potential for organised crime if casinos are legalised. Respondents also questioned the government’s claims that integrating casinos within entertainment complexes would significantly boost the economy, The Bangkok Post reports.
As debate continues, it remains uncertain whether the government will heed the growing calls for public consultation before moving forward with the controversial policy.
