Thailand’s long-debated casino ambitions have once again been shelved, as the government announced it would withdraw its push to legalize slot machines and live-dealer table games.
On Monday, Pheu Thai MP Visuth Chainaroon — the ruling party’s government whip — confirmed that the Entertainment Complex Bill has been set aside. The decision follows political turmoil stemming from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s suspension amid an ethics probe into a controversial phone call with a Cambodian official.
The fallout from Shinawatra’s remarks about the Thai military led the Bhumjaithai Party to break away from the coalition, costing the government 69 seats and its legislative majority. Opposition parties, echoing public sentiment, remain firmly against casino liberalization.
“We’re not withdrawing it out of fear,” Visuth told reporters, according to Reuters. “We just want to communicate with the people first and clear any doubts.”
The Entertainment Complex Bill envisioned five casino resorts — one each in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, and two in Bangkok — as part of a plan to boost tourism and economic growth.
Global Operators Left Waiting
The legislative retreat halts what many saw as one of Asia’s most attractive untapped casino opportunities. Major international operators — including Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Melco Resorts, Genting Group, and Galaxy Entertainment — had all expressed interest in developing integrated resorts should Thailand move forward.
These companies, heavily invested in Macau and Singapore, viewed Thailand as a potential regional gaming hub capable of rivaling established markets.
Political and Cultural Barriers
The Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Shinawatra has reignited criticism of Thailand’s judicial power, which many see as a tool to safeguard the monarchy’s interests. The nation’s turbulent political history — marked by 13 coups since 1932 — continues to complicate long-term policy planning.
Culturally, gambling remains taboo. King Rama V banned most forms of wagering in the late 19th century, and with over 90% of Thais identifying as Buddhist, moral opposition to gambling remains deeply rooted.
For now, Thailand’s casino dreams — and the lucrative foreign investment they promised — remain on hold.
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