Thailand's controversial "Comprehensive Entertainment Venue Management Act" is facing unprecedented legislative obstacles, and legal experts and industry observers generally believe that the bill may not be finalized before the 2027 elections.
Although the government initially planned to start the casino license bidding process in 2026, political maneuvering, public backlash, and complex legislative procedures have made 2027 or even later a more realistic timeline.
Legislative Process Stalled: Timeline Adjustment from 2026 to 2027
Akkaraporn Muangsobha, a partner at Rajah & Tann (Thailand) law firm, pointed out that since the bill has not yet completed its first reading in the National Assembly, and it still needs to go through a 31-member committee review, second reading, and subsidiary legislation procedures, 2027 is an optimistic expectation. Former casino executive Daniel Cheng further analyzed that even if the bill is expedited, issuing the first license in the first quarter of 2027 will still face "tremendous pressure," especially considering that the current government's term will end in May 2027.
Political Internal Disagreements: Cracks within the Ruling Coalition
Significant disagreements have emerged within the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Some members of the Thai People's Party and the National Power Party openly oppose the legalization of casinos, questioning their moral legitimacy and economic necessity. The secretary-general of the Thai People's Party even made a strong statement: "No matter who proposes it, we will not support the bill." This internal resistance makes the bill's prospects in parliament even more uncertain.
Public Opinion Shift: Strong Opposition from Social Media and Religious Groups
Apart from political factors, changes in public sentiment are also crucial. Previously, the Thai Ministry of Finance claimed that 80% of the public supported the legalization of casinos, but recent strong backlash on social media has prompted some parties that originally supported the bill to reassess their positions. Religious groups and anti-gambling organizations have also increased pressure, emphasizing that casinos could exacerbate social issues such as gambling addiction and rising crime rates.
Ministry of Finance Admits Challenges: Legal and Constitutional Obstacles Remain
Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, acknowledged that even if the bill passes in parliament, a series of legal and constitutional obstacles still need to be overcome, including adjustments to anti-money laundering regulations and local government implementation rules. Muangsobha pointed out: "The government only has three months to rebuild public trust in policy transparency, otherwise the bill may be completely shelved."
Future Outlook: The 2027 Elections as a Critical Turning Point
Currently, both supporters and opponents believe that substantial progress on the casino bill may have to wait until after the 2027 elections—provided that the new government is still willing to push the policy. If the opposition comes to power, the bill might even be completely vetoed.
In summary, the legalization of casinos in Thailand has evolved from "when it will happen" to "whether it can happen," with the 2027 elections becoming a critical juncture in determining its fate.
