After following intelligence reports about foreigners operating illegal online services, Thai immigration police have detained five Indian nationals suspected of operating an...
Thai government officially withdraws the casino bill
Thailand has officially withdrawn its plan to legalize casino resorts with the “Entertainment Complex Bill,” which aimed to allow regulated casinos as part of large entertainment centers.
After a long run, Thailand has finally made it clear: no casinos in the country.
The decision to withdraw the bill comes in a period of political uncertainty in Thailand. Recently, the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was suspended after a leaked phone call with former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. This case raised serious concerns about national security. Currently, Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai is acting as prime minister, but his rights to interfere in controversial laws are strictly limited.
Additionally, the Bhumjaithai Party, once the second-largest in the ruling coalition, left the government in June, weakening the administration’s majority in Parliament.
The bill’s main supporter, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, expressed disappointment:
“I personally feel regretful, as the delay will result in Thailand losing opportunities to restructure tourism.”
Supporters of the casino bill argued that the bill had the potential to make Thailand an amazing gambling spot and compete with popular Macau and Singapore. But many citizens remain opposed to legalizing casinos.
Thailand’s Senate rejected the draft bill to introduce integrated resorts with casinos, pointing to concerns over social stability, economic security, and national safety.
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