Abhisit Vejjajiva, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, has again reiterated his firm opposition to the government’s initiative to legalise casinos. According to him, the long-term risks significantly outweigh any potential benefits. In his remarks during a Senate panel meeting on 5 June 2025, Abhisit warned that the proposed policy could result in extensive social, economic, and diplomatic repercussions.
“I still firmly believe, based on more than 30 years in politics, that the risks and potential damage from this policy outweigh the possible benefits,” he said, according to the Bangkok Post.
The Senate panel, chaired by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, is currently studying the details of the government’s casino legalisation initiative. The committee had extended invitations to both current and former prime ministers to present their perspectives. And so, Abhisit accepted the invitation.
Not a solution for illegal gambling
The former leader challenged the notion that legalising casinos would put an end to illegal gambling. “The idea that legal casinos can wipe out the underground economy is flawed,” he said. “Just look at government lotteries versus underground ones – they coexist.” He was referring to Thailand’s ongoing struggle to curb illicit lottery networks, despite having a state-run lottery.
The former Thai Prime Minister also questioned the proposals’ ability to generate income, warning that in order for the government to compete with other regional casino markets, lower tax rates may need to be implemented. He warned that such a step would severely hamper the expected economic benefits.
“If the government wants to attract foreign patrons, especially from places like China, it may keep taxes low, thus reducing the state’s actual take from the sector,” he said.
Strained relations with China likely
Diplomatic concerns were also raised. Abhisit cautioned that the policy could strain Thailand’s relationship with China, which has adopted a firm stance against its citizens gambling abroad. Beijing has been increasingly vocal in urging regional partners to resist hosting gambling services that target Chinese nationals.
The Thai government hopes that casinos might play a significant role in a larger economic plan aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign investment. However, the project’s progress has been slower than expected.
Initially scheduled for April 2025, the enabling bill’s first reading has been postponed because of public opposition and calls for additional review. According to current reports, when the National Assembly reconvenes in July 2025, the bill may be reintroduced in the lower chamber.
Thailand remains one of the few countries in Southeast Asia without legal casinos. While public opinion remains divided, Abhisit’s comments of opposition within the political establishment show that the debate over the casino bill is far from over.
