Casino bill back on table as Thai PM survives no-confidence vote
The Thai cabinet is set to push the draft bill on legalising casino gambling in the country during its meeting on 27 March. The proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, which seeks to introduce regulated casino resorts, is expected to boost economic growth and generate substantial revenue from tourism.
The meeting, usually held on Tuesdays, was postponed due to a parliamentary censure debate that took place earlier this week.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed that the Ministry of Finance will present the bill, though whether it is formally included on the cabinet’s agenda will be at the prime minister’s discretion. The government believes that integrated casino resorts would not only drive tourism but also curb illegal gambling operations that currently operate in the shadows.
PM Shinawatra survives confidence vote
The cabinet vote followed on 26 March 2025, where Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully overcame a no-confidence motion, securing the support of 319 out of 488 lawmakers present. Seven MPs abstained from the vote. The opposition had accused her of inexperience and undue influence from her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Ms Shinawatra, who took office last year as the leader of a coalition government under the Pheu Thai Party, has faced political challenges since her appointment. Her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed by Thailand’s Constitutional Court after appointing a cabinet minister who had previously served a prison sentence. Despite the political turbulence, her government remains committed to pushing forward key legislative initiatives, including the controversial casino bill.
Public opinion on the issue appears to be divided. According to the Ministry of Finance, an online public hearing conducted between 28 February and 14 March saw an overwhelming 80 percent of participants expressing support for the bill. More than 70,000 individuals submitted their opinions during the consultation period.
Public opinions remain divided
However, a separate public opinion poll indicated that a majority of Thai citizens are concerned about potential negative consequences, including gambling addiction and crime.
Ms Shinawatra has stated that the government will take a cautious approach, considering the views of all stakeholders before proceeding further. While the Pheu Thai Party is eager to advance the bill, the prime minister has stressed the importance of balancing economic benefits with social concerns.
If the cabinet approves the bill, it will move to parliament for further debate and potential amendments. The Thai government hopes to pass the legislation within the year, as part of its broader strategy to attract foreign investment and increase tax revenue.
Meanwhile, international casino operators, including Galaxy Entertainment, have reportedly expressed interest in Thailand’s potential gaming market. Should the bill become law, Thailand could emerge as a major competitor to regional casino hubs such as Macau, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Despite the government’s ambitions, the debate over legalised gambling is expected to continue, with critics warning of social risks. As the cabinet prepares to deliberate, Thailand remains at a crossroads between economic expansion and the potential pitfalls of a casino-driven tourism industry.
