Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In a move stirring significant political debate, a Senate committee has called on the Thai government to withdraw its proposed casino-entertainment complex bill. The draft legislation is accused of potentially violating the 2017 Constitution and offering questionable economic benefits for the nation.

 

The committee, led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, has expressed concerns that the bill contravenes several constitutional sections, such as Sections 3, 58, 63, and 65. At the heart of this controversy is the project's initial presentation as an entertainment complex. According to Senator Veerapun, the lack of transparency regarding the inclusion of casinos suggests a possible breach of the national strategy.

 

Following a thorough two-month study, the panel concluded that this lack of clarity could lead to the bill being challenged in the Constitutional Court, potentially resulting in an adverse ruling. The senator emphasised the gravity of such a situation, insisting that the government should remove the bill from consideration entirely.

 

On the economic front, the National Economic and Social Development Council provided insights that further undermine the bill's viability. The council’s analysis revealed that, on a global scale, casino revenues are on a downward trend. This casts doubt on the assumption that legalised casinos could serve as a major boost to Thailand’s GDP.

 

Senator Veerapun highlighted that most casino profits worldwide tend to benefit private investors rather than the states. As a result, the government’s optimistic projections regarding tax revenue might not materialise, leading to potential budgetary shortfalls.

 

Moreover, the proposed bill includes stringent regulations allowing only about 10,000 wealthy Thais—those with at least 50 million baht in their bank accounts—to access these casinos. This raises questions about the proposal’s effectiveness in curbing illegal gambling, as those currently involved in underground activities might not meet these wealth requirements.

 

The bill’s future in the legislative agenda seems uncertain. The Pheu Thai Party has announced plans to push the bill to the bottom of the parliamentary discussions set to resume on 3 July. Nonetheless, Senator Veerapun contends that mere postponement is inadequate. He insists that the government must withdraw the bill entirely to prevent potential constitutional and socio-economic repercussions.

 

Political tensions have been exacerbated by the stance of the Bhumjaithai Party, which cited the casino policy as a primary reason for its withdrawal from the coalition government. Anutin Charnvirakul, the party leader, has publicly questioned whether legalising casinos would genuinely boost the Thai economy. "Who really benefits? What do ordinary Thais gain?" he asked rhetorically.

 

Charnvirakul argued that the economic benefits are likely to concentrate within a small group of investors, potentially leading to various social issues such as increased crime and family problems. "Thailand has many unique strengths that should be prioritised over casinos," he noted, pointing out the hesitance from even some coalition partners to support the legislation.

 

Despite the mounting opposition, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat remains optimistic. He asserts that, when the time is right, the government could gather sufficient support to pass the bill. However, this confidence contrasts sharply with the fears and criticism laid out by various political and economic stakeholders.

 

The debate shows no sign of abating as the government faces mounting pressure to reconsider its legislative agenda. The unfolding developments not only spotlight the complexities of navigating constitutional frameworks and economic ambitions but also challenge the delicate balance of political alliances within the country.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-06-27

 

 

I hope there will be no casinos in Thailand.

Phuket or Bangkok a second Macau?

No. 👎

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a move stirring significant political debate, a Senate committee has called on the Thai government to withdraw its proposed casino-entertainment complex bill. The draft legislation is accused of potentially violating the 2017 Constitution and offering questionable economic benefits for the nation

Good, this is one thing Thailand does not need.

This government is banning weed again, impose harder rules on alcohol... but then they want to build casinos?! I guess there's been big brown envelopes going to the Shinawatras...

50 minutes ago, Kasset Tak said:

impose harder rules on alcohol

Such as what? 

 

If you are referring to the recent news item it's title was somewhat misleading........

Casinos, nuclear power stations, submarines, ganja, coups, space program, Anutin, Shinawatras, Dusty Miller in charge of Education

 

...........just a few of the things Thailand can do without

Mafia lottery and illegal gambling operators which include army and police will not allow it. 

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Senator Veerapun highlighted that most casino profits worldwide tend to benefit private investors rather than the states. As a result, the government’s optimistic projections regarding tax revenue might not materialise, leading to potential budgetary shortfalls.

This would be calling out the PM for lies as well as several other PTP members in government. Say it isn't so. they would never lie about something like this. We all know the economic benefit is huge for Thailand tourism. As well as for all those millions of Thais waiting to lose their money in gambling without doing it online or in another country or behind someones house.