On March 19, 2026, Anutin Charnvirakul was elected as the 32nd Prime Minister by Thailand’s House of Representatives, after taking the interim position in September 2025,...
Thailand senate rejects bill to legalize 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.
The move reflects Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s firm opposition to casino legalization, as he has repeatedly emphasized that tourism growth should not come at the cost of social cohesion or national security. This marks a clear shift from the more open stance of the previous government led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The bill, first introduced under the Paetongtarn government, was reviewed by a special Senate committee led by Senator Dr. Veerapun Suvannamai. In presenting the findings, Deputy Senate President Gen. Kriengkrai Srirak cautioned that legalizing casinos could bring long-term risks, from money laundering to a loss of public trust.
The committee suggested that any future push for casino legalization should go to a national referendum, giving the public a direct say in the matter.
After following intelligence reports about foreigners operating illegal online services, Thai immigration police have detained five Indian nationals suspected of operating an...
