Thai cabinet approves withdrawal of casino bill

Thai cabinet approves withdrawal of casino bill

The Thai government has approved the withdrawal of its controversial "Entertainment Complex" bill, which aimed to legalize casinos as part of broader integrated resorts. The decision comes amid growing public opposition and deepening political turmoil within the country.

The withdrawal was confirmed by Visuth Chainaroon, a government whip, who stated that a motion to withdraw the bill will be raised on July 9, the date it was originally scheduled for consideration [1]. The cabinet is expected to approve the withdrawal plan this week. The draft bill, which had been seen as a major step to attract foreign investment and boost Thailand’s tourism sector, had faced intense public concerns about problem gambling, money laundering, and social impacts.

Major international operators, including Galaxy Entertainment, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts, and Melco Resorts, had shown interest in the potential market, given Thailand’s established appeal as a tourist destination [2]. However, the government decided to pause the process to address these concerns and engage in greater public dialogue.

The withdrawal comes as Thailand’s ruling coalition grapples with the loss of its parliamentary majority after the exit of the Bhumjaithai Party, which opposed the casino plan, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethical misconduct [1]. The future of legalized casinos in Thailand now remains unclear.

Analysts suggest that the decision may hamper efforts to pass other key legislation in the coming months, including Thailand’s budget bill for the next fiscal year. While the government maintains that the move is not an act of retreat but a pause for greater public dialogue, the political instability and public pushback have put the casino legalization effort on hold.

References:
[1] https://www.ggrasia.com/thailand-govt-set-to-withdraw-on-wednesday-casino-legalisation-bill
[2] https://www.gamblinginsider.com/news/30157/thailand-halts-casino-legalisation-bill-amid-political-instability-and-public-pushback