Report Thailand Halts Controversial Casino Bill Amid Political Turmoil

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai government has decided to withdraw its contentious bill to legalise casinos, responding to growing public opposition and recent political upheaval. The move comes as the ruling coalition's majority faces pressure due to internal strife.

 

On Monday, Chief Government Whip Visuth Chainaroon announced plans to retract the "entertainment complex" bill from parliament's agenda this Wednesday, a session previously scheduled for its discussion. Initially, the government signalled a delay to further engage with the public and address worries over gambling addiction and money laundering.

 

The decision to pull the bill follows political turbulence within the ruling alliance, notably the departure of the Bhumjaithai Party, which opposed the measure. Compounding the issue is the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, facing allegations of ethical misconduct.

 

Ms Paetongtarn's challenges are compounded by legal troubles over a leaked conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The discussion criticised the Thai army’s stance in a border conflict with Cambodia, further straining her position.

 

Without a stable majority, the government may struggle to pass not only contentious bills but also crucial legislation in the upcoming months. Of particular concern is the forthcoming budget bill for the next fiscal year starting October, slated for further readings in August.

 

The setback reflects the delicate balance the government must maintain with coalition partners and public sentiment. As the political climate remains unstable, the administration faces an uphill battle to navigate legislative priorities without a cohesive majority.

 

Observers note that the casino bill's withdrawal is emblematic of broader challenges facing Thailand's coalition government. With critical legislation hanging in the balance, the situation underscores the complexities of governance amid shifting political alliances.

 

As the implications of this withdrawal ripple through the Thai political landscape, stakeholders await next steps from the government in addressing not only legislative priorities but also emerging ethical and legal questions surrounding its leadership.

 

In summary, Thailand's withdrawal of the casino bill is a significant indicator of current political dynamics, highlighting the interplay between public opinion, coalition politics, and legislative agendas. The coming months will test the government's capacity to stabilise and proceed with essential governance amidst uncertainty.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thiager 2025-07-07

 

 

[NoMoonLogistics]

The faked-up Drug War against cannabis next.

[mikeymike100]

So Good News..?

[TroubleandGrumpy]

Bad News for the economy - it could have seen them through the coming bad times. 

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The Thai government has decided to withdraw its contentious bill to legalise casinos, responding to growing public opposition and recent political upheaval. The move comes as the ruling coalition's majority faces pressure due to internal strife.

So Thaksin has decided not to ram this down the throats of the people for the moment... 

[black tabby12345]

3 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Bad News for the economy - it could have seen them through the coming bad times. 

 

Casino: 

A little economical benefit.

Far greater losses to the nation in long term.

As it sucks local money out, and sucks in organized crimes both from within and without.

[NanLaew]

3 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Bad News for the economy - it could have seen them through the coming bad times. 

 

Like gamblers would be somehow immune to these "bad times" and would be dropping enough money to sustain the nation's economy?

[motdaeng]

teflon toni has to be very careful, because hun sen holds the stronger cards ... it's not a good idea now to compete with cambodia's casinos .. 

 

[Jim Blue]

The unseen gentleman on the right is about to break the casino bank........! I seem to remember

they made a song  about him !

[spidermike007]

I wonder if this had anything to do with the competition next door? What really happened? 

 

Sam Rainsy, the exiled former leader of Cambodia’s opposition party, has accused Hun Sen of exacerbating the conflict with Thailand because of its crackdown on the cyber scam operations as well as the criminal networks that run the casinos mostly for Thai visitors in Cambodia.

 

Hun Sen’s outburst has nothing to do with protecting Cambodia’s sovereignty. It is about preserving the corrupt financial networks that keep his regime afloat,” Rainsy said on Facebook.

 

Hun Sen purposely shared his recording of the phone call with Paetongtarn with around 80 officials under a Cambodian media law, knowing it would be further disseminated.

 

https://tomorrowsaffairs.com/might-leaked-calls-and-protests-lead-to-another-coup-in-thailand

[TroubleandGrumpy]

3 hours ago, black tabby12345 said:

Casino: 

A little economical benefit.

Far greater losses to the nation in long term.

As it sucks local money out, and sucks in organized crimes both from within and without.

Urban Myths seem real and all the negativity about Casionos is exaggerated myths.  Casinos bring great economic benefit - and as long as the arrangement is organised, setup and managed well, and the negative social aspects can be greatly mitigated.  Right now there is illegal online and in-house gambling all over Thailand - mainly by the locals - with all the associated social costs such as loan sharks etc. but without any real economic benefit (taxes and fees). 

 

It can be done and can make a big benefit both ways - Singapore and Macau are good local examples.  Would those responsible in Thailand get it right?? Well I have to admit the current lot would probably not - which is a good reason to wait a while. But it is a good thing - if done right.