Thai deputy PM says casino bill may counter tariffs, coalition resists
Thailand’s controversial push to legalise casino resorts has stirred sharp divisions within the ruling coalition and provoked widespread public backlash. The government argues that the move is essential to offset looming economic losses from new US trade tariffs.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (as depicted in featured image) recently defended the Entertainment Complex Bill, describing it as a strategic measure to even out the expected impact of President Donald Trump’s sweeping US import tariffs.
The new levies, which ranged from 10 percent to over 50 percent, were expected to hit Thai exports hard, particularly electronics, machinery, and agricultural products. In 2025, projected losses of up to $15 billion (€13.7 billion) are anticipated if President Trump continues to impose tariffs after the 90-day period.
Casino bill about ‘economic survival’
“This isn’t about encouraging gambling – it’s about economic survival,” said Phumtham, highlighting the projected gross gaming revenue of $9–15 billion (€8.3–€13.9 billion) annually if casino resorts are approved. The proposed venues would be located in Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Bangkok, with hopes of turning Thailand into the world’s third-largest gaming market after Macau and Las Vegas.
However, mounting opposition has forced a delay in the parliamentary reading of the bill, initially scheduled for 9 April 2025. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the postponement, citing the need to prioritise more urgent national matters. The bill is now expected to be reconsidered when the new session begins in July.
Adding to the political tension, the Prachachat Party, a key coalition partner, issued a formal warning on 8 April 2025 declaring it “cannot accept the principles” of the bill.
Coalition unity falters
With strong support from Thailand’s Muslim-majority south, Prachachat cited religious, moral and cultural concerns, stating that legalised casinos could harm youth, undermine social values and violate Islamic teachings. Eight of the party’s nine MPs are Muslim.
“The content of the bill may negatively impact society, culture and morality,” the statement read, reinforcing the party’s commitment to religious and cultural diversity. Other coalition parties that reportedly do not support the bill at this stage include the Bhumjaithai Party, which holds 69 seats, and the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, with 36 MPs.
Adding to the uncertainty, public opinion is also divided. While a government-commissioned survey claimed that 80 percent of 70,000 respondents supported casino resorts, critics questioned the reliability of the data, citing suspiciously uniform responses. A separate January 2025 poll indicated that 59 percent of Thais oppose the complexes, with only 29 percent in favour.
‘Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, widely seen as an influential figure behind the scenes, has been accused by critics of using the bill to advance personal interests — a claim denied by government officials. In the months ahead, the government’s ability to balance economic necessity with moral and political resistance will be a key test.
