Report Thailand's Casino Bill Faces Collapse Amid Public Outcry

[snoop1130]

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand's contentious casino bill, proposing vast entertainment complexes, teeters near collapse as ministers scramble to address public dissatisfaction and political tension.

 

Just ahead of the scheduled MPs' meeting on 9th July, the government appears poised to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill. On 3rd July, Chousak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, shared that a decision is anticipated soon.

 

“To withdraw it, approval must be obtained from the Cabinet and the House of Representatives,” Sirinil explained. “If the House raises no objections, withdrawal can be immediate.”

 

Several complications loom. A recent Cabinet reshuffle has prompted calls for further discussion. “We are reassessing support. With new ministers, it’s vital to ensure readiness,” Sirinil added.

 

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed informal discussions have commenced. “Public confusion persists about the entertainment complex concept. Further discussions in the House coordination committee are scheduled for 7th July,” she noted.

 

Pressure mounts as, on 2nd July, over 100 anti-casino activists petitioned at Government House, urging a permanent shelving of the bill and related Gambling Act amendments.

 

Thanakorn Khomkrit from the Stop Gambling Foundation stated, “Thailand faces economic, political, and environmental issues. Rushing this bill could cause social rifts.”

 

Vasin Pipattanachat, of a health risk management network, warned of potential mental health issues, crime, and increasing debt. “Our high rankings in corruption and inequality mustn't be ignored,” he argued.

 

MP Parit Wacharasindhu labelled the bill a test of government trustworthiness. He criticised the lack of evident economic benefits or social protections.

 

“If the government listens, the Cabinet will withdraw the bill,” Wacharasindhu insisted. He warned that the opposition might initiate a no-confidence debate targeting the policy and its proponents should the bill proceed.

 

As the debate intensifies, Thailand waits to see if the government will heed public and political calls or push forward amidst contention. With so much at stake, the decision's repercussions will be watched closely both domestically and internationally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

[englishoak]

Good

[mikeymike100]

It would just bring in even more corruption, especially Chinese probably, as they are keen 'gamblers'..?

[hotchilli]

Pull the plug on this entertainment complex BS

[ricklev]

I don't think it has anything to do with public opinion.

[J Branche]

Yes shelve this Casino idea for the foreseeable future.

 

Delusional visions of grandeur, huge influx of High Net Worth gamblers, huge fancy complexes that are admired by other countries. Etc.  They sell you the dream and when you mention what about the impact on Thai society, the money that is lost to pay for their children's school, rent, vehicle, general living expenses and who will shoulder that burden and expense. (Not the Casinos)  The fighting and broken families when their partner learns the money is gone.

 

Haven't the Thai people suffered enough?  Let's work on making Thailand attractive for businesses and increase the skills, education and language/math abilities of this generation for future growth, wealth, prosperity and success.

[black tabby12345]

Coalition partner left.

Former PAD(anti-Thaksin) movement revived and getting momentum.

Call for premier resignation mounting up daily...

[OneZero]

5 minutes ago, J Branche said:

Yes shelve this Casino idea for the foreseeable future.

 

Delusional visions of grandeur, huge influx of High Net Worth gamblers, huge fancy complexes that are admired by other countries. Etc.  They sell you the dream and when you mention what about the impact on Thai society, the money that is lost to pay for their children's school, rent, vehicle, general living expenses and who will shoulder that burden and expense. (Not the Casinos)  The fighting and broken families when their partner learns the money is gone.

 

Haven't the Thai people suffered enough?  Let's work on making Thailand attractive for businesses and increase the skills, education and language/math abilities of this generation for future growth, wealth, prosperity and success.

Quote:  "....what about the impact on Thai society, the money that is lost to pay for their children's school, rent, vehicle, general living expenses and who will shoulder that burden and expense?"

 

If entrance is restricted to high-net-worth individuals, how could the above widely spoken negative reasoning be valid on a mass basis?  This is a statement repeated again & again but my question goes unanswered.

[J Branche]

5 minutes ago, OneZero said:

Quote:  "....what about the impact on Thai society, the money that is lost to pay for their children's school, rent, vehicle, general living expenses and who will shoulder that burden and expense?"

 

If entrance is restricted to high-net-worth individuals, how could the above widely spoken negative reasoning be valid on a mass basis?  This is a statement repeated again & again but my question goes unanswered.

Are you delusional?

 

You know how enforcement works around here.

Additionally when Thais are knowingly restricted access to something because they are financially less successful they do Not like it.  Especially when foreigners are allowed in.

 

If you are a Politician this would not look good and cause Thai people to be outspoken then you have another Flip, Flop scenario where it's built open, and forced to change or close at the expense of the businesses

[kingstonkid]

47 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Pull the plug on this entertainment complex BS

 

The entertainment complex  is a good idea.  Even the casino would be good if corruption was not a problem.  Many countries have  casinos that raise large amounts of tax dollars.   They problem here is no legitimate casino operator  is going to want to get involved with thai government

[digger70]

 Thailand's Casino Bill Faces Collapse Amid Public Outcry.

 

Why worry ,the casino is only for High Rollers  that can prove that they have Millions  in the Bank what they are willing to lose.

Defenitly nor for the Normal run of the mill every day people who don't even have 10 /50/100K THB  in the bank.

[Purdey]

If rich Thais are allowed in, have them audited for secret, untaxed wealth. It's a dead giveaway.

[J Branche]

People talk about the Tax dollars.

You are kidding right?  I would like to see the transparent, true, accurate accounting for this scenario.

 

Then they sell/projection will be it will bring in Trillions of Baht, all your troubles will be over.  All while smiling and knowing if they can get their foot in the door, make some quick money, transfer it out of Thailand and they will be on the first private jet out to an undisclosed location all while laughing, smiling and celebrating with some high end liquor.

[harryviking]

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

 

Thailand's contentious casino bill, proposing vast entertainment complexes, teeters near collapse as ministers scramble to address public dissatisfaction and political tension.

 

Just ahead of the scheduled MPs' meeting on 9th July, the government appears poised to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill. On 3rd July, Chousak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, shared that a decision is anticipated soon.

 

“To withdraw it, approval must be obtained from the Cabinet and the House of Representatives,” Sirinil explained. “If the House raises no objections, withdrawal can be immediate.”

 

Several complications loom. A recent Cabinet reshuffle has prompted calls for further discussion. “We are reassessing support. With new ministers, it’s vital to ensure readiness,” Sirinil added.

 

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed informal discussions have commenced. “Public confusion persists about the entertainment complex concept. Further discussions in the House coordination committee are scheduled for 7th July,” she noted.

 

Pressure mounts as, on 2nd July, over 100 anti-casino activists petitioned at Government House, urging a permanent shelving of the bill and related Gambling Act amendments.

 

Thanakorn Khomkrit from the Stop Gambling Foundation stated, “Thailand faces economic, political, and environmental issues. Rushing this bill could cause social rifts.”

 

Vasin Pipattanachat, of a health risk management network, warned of potential mental health issues, crime, and increasing debt. “Our high rankings in corruption and inequality mustn't be ignored,” he argued.

 

MP Parit Wacharasindhu labelled the bill a test of government trustworthiness. He criticised the lack of evident economic benefits or social protections.

 

“If the government listens, the Cabinet will withdraw the bill,” Wacharasindhu insisted. He warned that the opposition might initiate a no-confidence debate targeting the policy and its proponents should the bill proceed.

 

As the debate intensifies, Thailand waits to see if the government will heed public and political calls or push forward amidst contention. With so much at stake, the decision's repercussions will be watched closely both domestically and internationally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-04

 

 

Casinos would only be for the super rich, owned by a small group of "Elites" and bring NOTHING for the people! Good they cancel it.

[newnative]

     Yet another good proposal talked to death, with the added bonus of a few anti-casino activists spreading misinformation and having way too much sway over the decision.  

[trainman34014]

Let the rich continue to launder their illgotten gains across the Borders as they have been doing for many Decades.  Go down to the Heights in Malaysia and the car parks are full of Lambo's, Ferrari's, Porche's and even Rollers, all with Thai number plates.  Go inside and there they all are at the tables and they are happy.

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, kingstonkid said:

 

The entertainment complex  is a good idea.  Even the casino would be good if corruption was not a problem.  Many countries have  casinos that raise large amounts of tax dollars.   They problem here is no legitimate casino operator  is going to want to get involved with thai government

Which is why it's not a good idea.... for Thailand, too much corruption

[kingstonkid]

1 hour ago, hotchilli said:

Which is why it's not a good idea.... for Thailand, too much corruption

 

The casino is an issue but an entertainment complex minus the casino could be a good thing.  If they can get MGM or such to build it and set it up it might attract more families and eventually they may be able to move into the casino at a later time. 

[Sir Dude]

Actually, I think the Thai casino idea is a good one as it would challenge Hun Sen and his family's hold of the gambling income stream around here that they rely on to hold power, plus would generate tax revenue for Thailand too. This is probably why Cambodia is being hostile at the moment, because it doesn't want gambling legalised in Thailand... to any extent. I say go for it, and choke off some funds flowing to the ex-Khmer Rouge district commander and his family.

[geisha]

3 hours ago, kingstonkid said:

 

The casino is an issue but an entertainment complex minus the casino could be a good thing.  If they can get MGM or such to build it and set it up it might attract more families and eventually they may be able to move into the casino at a later time. 

Pattaya is one huge entertainment complex for adults and children. Plenty there for everyone. Even kids. 

[kingstonkid]

The problem is that there is so much corruption in Thailand not just in the government but also in the off-site illegal gambling business.

 

Governments here are more interested in winning elections and pandering to the people.

 

Again, if you set up an entertainment complex without gambling, show that it works and is a good thing, then apply for a casino.  

 

The government has jumped in and done very little.  

 

The elite do not want things changed and do not want the boat or their control to be altered. Hence, the agreement with Thaksin, whom they have always felt is the devil to them.

 

I agree that a casino is not a bd thing but the underlying rules and corruption is what scares most peoplealong with the damage that it would do to the illegal gambling dens.  The proof is the stupid rule that a person has to have a huge bank account and pay a huge fee to get in.