Politics Pheu Thai’s Casino Dream Collapses as Cabinet Bows to Public Pressure

[webfact]

Composite courtesy of Thai PBS World

 

In a dramatic turn of events, the Cabinet has scrapped the contentious Integrated Entertainment Complex bill from parliamentary discussion. Dubbed the ‘casino bill’, this high-profile venture was a cornerstone of the Pheu Thai-led government, spearheaded by Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub announced the withdrawal post-Cabinet meeting, citing a request from the Finance Ministry. This decision effectively halts the government's vision for the complex, which was anticipated to feature a casino and various entertainment attractions.

 

The bill had met fierce opposition and sparked public protests, despite assertions from the government that it would lure investment, tackle illegal gambling, and boost tourism in Thailand. Plans indicated a casino occupying no more than 10% of the complex, with the rest devoted to amenities like amusement parks, theatres, and sports arenas.

 

Initially included in Paetongtarn's policy agenda upon her September appointment as prime minister, the bill had secured Cabinet backing on March 13. It was fast-tracked for a review by the Council of State, designed to ensure swift passage through Parliament.

 

However, an April announcement from Paetongtarn delayed its first reading, citing more pressing national priorities. She assured it was merely postponed, with a plan to reintroduce it during the July parliamentary session.

 

Following a Cabinet reshuffle on June 30, a reassessment led to the Finance Ministry’s successful request for withdrawal. Jirayu noted broader social implications as a factor, stressing the need for extended public dialogue.

 

Political analysts suggest the move reflects Pheu Thai’s precarious position in Parliament, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party’s coalition exit.

 

Complications compounded when Paetongtarn faced suspension by the Constitutional Court for alleged ethical breaches linked to a leaked recording with Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

 

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging, "it’s not the appropriate time." He lamented the lost opportunity for economic stimulation and growth.

 

The bill’s suspension underscores the complexities and challenges of navigating political and societal landscapes, as Thailand grapples with balancing economic development with public consensus and ethical governance.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai PBS World 2025-07-09

 

 

[thesetat]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

However, an April announcement from Paetongtarn delayed its first reading, citing more pressing national priorities. She assured it was merely postponed, with a plan to reintroduce it during the July parliamentary session.

Im sorry, but isn't she suspended from her position as PM and even as a minister? Why and how can she say what will happen in July? 

 

Either way, this casino idea will really hurt the Thai people. It may help the government though with more income. But there will be a lot more Thais who will lose everything on a whim that gambling will make them rich.

[Geoffggi]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

this high-profile venture was a cornerstone of the Pheu Thai-led government, spearheaded by Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

 

Nope, This whole operation was spearheaded by Thaksin Shinawatra he must be seething ..................LOL 😂🤣😎

[topt]

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

Why and how can she say what will happen in July? 

That was before she was suspended as prime minister

2 hours ago, thesetat said:

and even as a minister

I know someone was proposing she should be suspended here also but didn't think that had yet happened - could be wrong but I thought still able as  Culture Minister to attend Cabinet meetings?

[Olof Karlsson]

I just say: public pressure ,my ass !!

[IsaanGuy]

[hotchilli]

9 hours ago, webfact said:

Political analysts suggest the move reflects Pheu Thai’s precarious position in Parliament, especially after the Bhumjaithai Party’s coalition exit.

Hanging on by a thread... 

[black tabby12345]

One great moment in this kingdom.

Salute to the conscience of Thailand that  has beaten the warn bed of  evil before it starts.

It is the great day to be alive.

[quake]

 

Hey.

It's not over,  until the fat bird sings.

[Zack61]

Yoohoo!!!!

[Trippy]

8 hours ago, thesetat said:

Either way, this casino idea will really hurt the Thai people. It may help the government though with more income. But there will be a lot more Thais who will lose everything on a whim that gambling will make them rich.

If Thai's were not allowed to play, only foreigners, a casino would have created a lot of good jobs. If it was built next to BKK, they could have concentrated their marketing campaign on ASEAN countries. Fly in for a weekend, lose their money, fly home. 

 

But nobody in the Thai govt knows what their doing. 

[Mannekenpis]

This is not over yet. It's a political standoff between Anutin and Thaksin. Hun Sen may back off now that there is no threatening the Cambodian casino business anymore 

[newbee2022]

Finally🙏 Good for Thailand 

[Look Chang]

Well done. 

[Luuk Chaai]

54 minutes ago, Trippy said:

If Thai's were not allowed to play, only foreigners, a casino would have created a lot of good jobs. If it was built next to BKK, they could have concentrated their marketing campaign on ASEAN countries. Fly in for a weekend, lose their money, fly home. 

 

But nobody in the Thai govt knows what their doing. 

Haaaa  she wanted them to be  "Foreign owned  and allow them to own the land too !

 totally great this is not happening ...

on a real loss for Thailand  how about Condo ownership now going to allow up to 75% foreign

I can see it now  in a 100 unit building ... 20 Thai's 2 Brits, 2Aussies , 1French  and 75 Chinese ....

[Trippy]

10 minutes ago, Luuk Chaai said:

Haaaa  she wanted them to be  "Foreign owned  and allow them to own the land too !

 totally great this is not happening ...

on a real loss for Thailand  how about Condo ownership now going to allow up to 75% foreign

I can see it now  in a 100 unit building ... 20 Thai's 2 Brits, 2Aussies , 1French  and 75 Chinese ....

Like I said the govt doesn't know what makes sense, and what doesn't in regards to casinos. I was in that business for over 30 years, so I know better than them, or you.

 

Condo ownership is off topic, but I will say if you don't like Chinese, stay out of Asia.

[mikeymike100]

The Chinese won't be happy about this?

[harryviking]

🤣 The Shinawatras are pissed now as I am sure they were ready to buy into most of the Casino Business! Greed is the way of these people....😫

[AustinRacing]

2 hours ago, Olof Karlsson said:

I just say: public pressure ,my ass !!

That’s right. They don’t listen to public anyways. It must’ve been the mafia-authorities connections that benefit from illegal gambling that stopped it. 

[Srikcir]

11 hours ago, thesetat said:

But there will be a lot more Thais who will lose everything on a whim that gambling will make them rich.

Incorrect.

"Thai punters can go to casinos, with an entry fee of 5,000 baht and proof of at least 50 million baht in bank deposits ($1.47 million), effectively blocking large swathes of the population, where per capita gross domestic product is about $7,300." Thai cabinet approves draft law for casinos, with limits for local gamblers,  March 27, 2025 https://www.reuters.com/

[crazykopite]

Poor papa Toni didn’t get his way had they allowed this crazy ifea to go forward they would of had to allow gambling for all be it football , horse racing the list is endless you cannot have a Casino yet ban all other forms of gambling 

[transam]

We were privy to sit in on the meeting for a casino or not ...........

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mad Mustang]

Common sense in Thailand. Very rare indeed

[Kerryd]

Lol - there was a Facebook post just a few hours ago that said it was CHINA that put an end to the Casino bill by TELLING Thailand they did not approve it and it was "suggested" (in the article) that the recent very large drop in tourist arrivals from China was their way of saying "do things our way - or else".

I suggested (on that article) that it seems that China is now dictating Thai law.

The article mentions how much Cambodia makes from it's casinos and that they know if Thailand starts running their own, the Cambodians will lose huge amounts of revenue.

Funny how China has NO problems with casinos in Cambodia though, isn't it ?
 

[CanadaSam]

1 hour ago, Kerryd said:

Funny how China has NO problems with casinos in Cambodia though, isn't it ?

 

Funny how you rely on a facebook post to believe that China wants to stop casinos in Thailand.

[bannork]

2 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Incorrect.

"Thai punters can go to casinos, with an entry fee of 5,000 baht and proof of at least 50 million baht in bank deposits ($1.47 million), effectively blocking large swathes of the population, where per capita gross domestic product is about $7,300." Thai cabinet approves draft law for casinos, with limits for local gamblers,  March 27, 2025 https://www.reuters.com/

If I remember correctly the figure of how much Thai punters would need to have to enter the casinos was temporary, and could have been altered once the bill became law. That was one of the criticisms of the bill at the time.

[angryguy]

19 minutes ago, CanadaSam said:

 

Funny how you rely on a facebook post to believe that China wants to stop casinos in Thailand.

I assume you take thaksins word for it then

[Marco100]

Yes good idea ! Take away legal cannabis so u create a cannabis drug Cartel out of all people who goes out of job n shop n don't do legal Casinos so it doesn't harm the underground business .  Interests .....

[grumpyoldman]

Hallelujah.

 

Thaksin money grab isn't happening, raped the country already, lets not let him do it again.

 

Casinos would involve some serious Chinese mobsters, and for the Thai public, would not be good at all.

[SABloke]

11 hours ago, crazykopite said:

Poor papa Toni didn’t get his way had they allowed this crazy ifea to go forward they would of had to allow gambling for all be it football , horse racing the list is endless you cannot have a Casino yet ban all other forms of gambling 

 

Of course you can: Gambling on horse racing and buying lottery tickests are already legal in Thailand, yet all other forms of gambling are outlawed.