The new government opposes casino legalization, but may allow the public to decide
Thailand’s Senate has formally rejected the country’s latest casino initiative, but lawmakers left the door open for future discussions by recommending that any attempt at legalization be decided through a public referendum. The move effectively ends the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill introduced under the previous government but signals that casino policy may eventually be shaped by voters.
A special Senate committee led by Senator Dr. Veerapun Suvannamai reviewed the bill this week and determined that it carried unacceptable risks. The group cited concerns over social consequences, the potential for money laundering, and the possibility of undermining long-term public trust. The committee’s report, published by the Bangkok Post, emphasized that the project could impose major infrastructure costs while delivering limited economic benefit.
Some senators floated alternative frameworks that stop short of full casino legalization. Ideas included entertainment complexes without gaming floors, tightly controlled casino zones, and even regulated online gambling platforms. Industry analysts, however, noted that large-scale investors would be unlikely to back projects without casino components, questioning the financial viability of such proposals.
In its deliberations, the committee also pointed to international examples, though some comparisons were challenged. One senator suggested adopting a tourist-only access model similar to what was claimed to exist in Australia, despite the fact that all 14 Australian casinos currently admit local residents.
Senator Chinachot Saengsang was blunt in his assessment, stating that “the casino is not a side feature – it’s the core of the proposal.” He warned that including casino legalization in future government policy platforms could weaken public confidence in governance.
The bill had already faced strong opposition before reaching the Senate. The Shinawatra-led government withdrew it from the House agenda in July amid growing criticism. The Senate’s rejection now ensures that any new attempt to revisit casino development will need direct public approval at the ballot box.
