The Thai government's bill to legalize entertainment complexes, originally scheduled to be reviewed during the parliamentary session ending on April 9, includes the establishment of five integrated casino resorts nationwide. However, due to internal disagreements within the ruling coalition and strong resistance from the opposition, the review of the bill may be postponed until July, or even face the risk of being aborted.
Bill Review Postponed, Senate Initiates Independent Assessment
Currently, the Senate has established a special committee to conduct an independent study on the bill, expected to complete its report by October this year. Analysts believe that if passed, the bill could position Thailand as the third largest gambling market globally, following Macau and Las Vegas, with annual gambling revenues potentially reaching 3.08 trillion Thai Baht (approximately 91 billion USD).
Despite this, Thailand's current gambling policy remains conservative, limited to the national lottery and horse race betting. The introduction of the bill has triggered polarized public reactions.
Critics Accuse the Bill of Being "Rushed" and Question the Motives Behind It
The bill's main proponent, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has repeatedly expressed support for the casino legislation. She emphasizes that the project aims to revitalize the tourism and employment markets post-pandemic, with only 10% of each complex dedicated to gambling, while the rest will consist of hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, providing jobs for thousands of people.
However, the opposition believes the government is pushing too hastily without sufficient research on the social, economic, and legal impacts. There are also criticisms that Paetongtarn is merely acting under the influence of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who has long supported the legalization of casinos and online gambling.
On March 26, the opposition initiated a vote of no confidence, attempting to accuse Paetongtarn of being "controlled by her father." She successfully passed with 319 votes against 162, but political divisions remain unresolved.
Public Protests Increase, Calls for a "Referendum" Grow Louder
The wave of opposition at the societal level continues to rise. Last month, several groups of people took to the streets of Bangkok to protest the casino plan. Reportedly, opponents have submitted a petition with over one hundred thousand signatures to the Prime Minister's Office.
Former "Red Shirt" leader Jatuporn Prompan has also joined the protest camp, openly stating that casinos and online gambling "will destroy the nation's foundation and weaken people's self-control."
The director of the Thai Democracy Innovation Office and political scientist Stithorn Thananithichot points out that the public should have the right to decide the future path of casino legalization and suggests ending the controversy through a "national referendum."
Prime Minister Open to Discussion, Preliminary Locations for the Complexes Identified
Despite ongoing controversies, Paetongtarn still believes the casino bill "deserves further evaluation." She states that the government has preliminarily selected five construction sites, including Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and two areas in Bangkok.
"We must thoroughly review all issues, as this is the first time Thailand is considering legal casinos," she said.
Conclusion: Economic Stimulus or Social Risk? Thailand Stands at a Crossroads
The future of the casino legalization bill is caught between policy aspirations and social ethics. Whether to build a regional economic engine or trigger a larger gambling crisis, the Thai government must find a balance between economic development and social stability. Whether to decide on the legalization of gambling through a referendum will also be a key point in the next stage of political maneuvering.
