Thailand’s 2007 charter team raises legal concerns over casino bill
A group of former 2007 charter drafters of Thailand’s constitution have issued a stark warning to the government over its support for a proposed bill allowing the development of casino- entertainment. As per the group, the proposal directly violates the constitution.
An open letter was issued by the 30 members of the group on 6 April 2025 and it addressed to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasatja, pushing parliament to withdraw the bill ahead of its first reading on 9 April 2025.
The group, which included several respected legal experts such as Jaran Pakdithanakul, Chirmsak Pinthong and Vicha Mahakun, echoed in similar voice that the legislation may violate Sections 65 and 75 of the Thai constitution, as well as the National Strategy Act.
Critics call bill unnecessary
They warned that the bill is neither urgent nor necessary, and pointed out that the legalisation of casinos was never part of the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s or its coalition partners’ election pledges. The proposal, they claimed, originated with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, widely seen as Pheu Thai’s de facto leader.
According to the group, the casino bill contradicts Thailand’s 20-year national strategy, which aims to promote sustainable economic development under the “sufficiency economy” principle. They argue that setting aside public land for casinos without clear assurances of public benefit could also breach state asset management laws.
The letter further cautioned that MPs who push the legislation could face accusations of constitutional overreach or ethical misconduct—offences which could result in a lifetime ban from politics.
Concerns have been ongoing that the proposed casino bill could fuel illegal gambling, broaden access to online gambling platforms, and worsen addiction rates. They also criticised the lack of any clear mechanisms in the draft law to prevent or mitigate gambling-related harm.
Govt firm on casino perks
However, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has defended the bill, saying it is a crucial economic measure in light of increasing tariffs on Thai exports from the United States.
The government of Thailand proposed the “Entertainment Complex Business Act” to legalize casinos within integrated entertainment complexes, aiming to boost tourism and generate significant revenue. Each complex is projected to require an investment of 100 to 200 billion baht (€2.7- €5.4 billion) and could increase annual tourism revenue by 120 to 240 billion baht (€3.2- €6.5 billion) through a five to ten percent rise in foreign arrivals.
Additionally, these complexes are expected to create 9,000 to 15,000 jobs and contribute 12-40 billion baht (€324-€1,081 million) annually in state tax revenue.
However, the bill includes provisions for strict entry regulations, such as age and income restrictions, to mitigate concerns about gambling addiction. Yet, critics argue that the bill is likely to exacerbate social problems, particularly gambling addiction and crime.
