Report Anutin: Xi Jinping Opposed Casino Plan, Now Thai Tourism Pays the Price

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Siam Rath

 

In a recent Facebook post, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted the severe impact of a proposed casino bill on Thailand’s tourism industry. He claims it has led to a drastic decline in Chinese tourists, devastating local businesses.

 

On 9th July 2025, Anutin expressed his support for withdrawing the integrated entertainment complex bill from parliamentary consideration. He urged the government to permanently abandon this initiative.

 

The initiative was a significant bone of contention within the governing coalition, with the Bhumjaithai Party being criticised for its opposition. Anutin noted that despite other coalition parties also having reservations, they refrained from openly opposing the bill, focusing blame solely on his party.

 

The situation reached a turning point during a recent parliamentary session, where the bill was slated for consideration. Here, most coalition members expressed their lack of support, with one party issuing a public statement against it. Thankfully, the Prime Minister delayed the bill’s progression, postponing its review to a future session.

 

Anutin emphasised that this delay was already damaging. The ongoing uncertainty regarding the casino policy has reportedly led to a 90% drop in Chinese tourist numbers, significantly hurting those in the hospitality and retail sectors.

 

He revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had consistently voiced opposition to the bill, warning of consequences for Thai tourism and trade. However, these concerns were not heeded, and Thai officials continued pushing the legislation.

 

The absence of Chinese visitors has severely affected Thai businesses relying on tourism. Many fear the sector may never recover if the bill proceeds and becomes law. Such a development could result in widespread financial ruin for many.

 

Anutin also criticised broader governmental missteps impacting the economy, urging the administration to learn from past errors. He insists the focus should remain on supporting Thai citizens rather than catering to minority interests, such as a few large investors.

 

Emphasising the longstanding friendship between Thailand and China, Anutin urged the government to heed Chinese concerns. Abandoning the casino bill could potentially restore Chinese tourism and investment, revitalising local economies.

 

Despite being in opposition, Anutin assured that the Bhumjaithai Party is ready to support beneficial policies. He called for a clear declaration in parliament to cancel the casino initiative, suggesting this gesture would foster goodwill and aid in the recovery of Thailand’s tourism industry.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-09

 

 

[angryguy]

Openly admitting who their masters are 555

[sscc]

Less tourists from China nowadays  ?    Yes,  a lot less. 

Xi had opinion on Thailand casino plan ?   No. 

[smedly]

27 minutes ago, webfact said:

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, highlighted the severe impact of a proposed casino bill on Thailand’s tourism industry

the severe impact is on your pocket

[ikke1959]

I will tell a secret Mr Anutin.. do you have proof that Thai casinos are bringing more tourists in?? Or is the same as with your cannabis policy? First allow it than recriminalise it?? Or with your incompetence of the Covid vaccins and handling the Covid crisis?? So please investigate properly before saying anything 

[SMIAI]

I don't understand the post above mine. Where did Anutin state that Thai casinos are bringing more tourists in?  I don't see that.

[WHansen]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The ongoing uncertainty regarding the casino policy has reportedly led to a 90% drop in Chinese tourist numbers,

Really !

The chinese economy going down the toilet and the fact Thailand is a complete mess on so many levels would have more to do with it i'd have thought. 

[ozz1]

After what's happened in Cambodia when the casinos were opened its a good things that they have canned it

[webfact]

Anutin Blames China for Tourist Drop, Paetongtarn Fires Back in Casino Dispute

 

Picture courtesy of THai PBS World

 

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, and suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra are engaged in a heated debate over a controversial casino policy.

 

The feud revolves around allegations of Anutin misrepresenting Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks regarding Thailand's contentious casino plans.

 

Paetongtarn, speaking as culture minister, refuted Anutin’s claim that President Xi had objected to entertainment complexes including casinos.

 

She clarified that Xi provided suggestions out of concern, and Thailand’s policy mirrors those of Singapore and Macau, focusing on income and employment, with casinos comprising just 10% of the project. Paetongtarn accused Anutin of fearmongering.

 

Anutin Charnvirakul. Picture courtesy of Nation TV

 

Anutin had taken to Facebook to assert that Chinese leadership objected to the casino plans during official meetings, and he suggested that these grievances contributed to a staggering 90% drop in Chinese tourists, which significantly affected hotels, eateries, and local vendors.

 

While the casino bill has been withdrawn, Anutin demands its permanent abandonment for his party’s continued support, as reported by KhaoSod English.

 

Paetongtarn called his actions theatrical, suggesting that factors like safety, scams, and infrastructure issues are bigger tourist deterrents than proposed casinos. She questioned Anutin’s motives, highlighting ongoing issues under his tenure as a contributing factor to declining Chinese tourism.

 

This clash has significant political and economic implications, as it threatens both tourism and international relations. The drama continues to unfold as both leaders defend their positions amidst public scrutiny.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-10

 

 

 

[Yagoda]

17 hours ago, angryguy said:

Openly admitting who their masters are 555

The battle lines are being drawn. Who will win, NY or Beijing

[ukrules]

25 minutes ago, webfact said:

Anutin had taken to Facebook to assert that Chinese leadership objected to the casino plans during official meetings, and he suggested that these grievances contributed to a staggering 90% drop in Chinese tourists, which significantly affected hotels, eateries, and local vendors.

 

Annoying the Chinese always ends this way.

What surprises me is that someone had enough clout to destroy the tourism based economy on a whim to get some casino opened.

 

That is odd isn't it? Who?

[Peabody]

39 minutes ago, webfact said:

Paetongtarn called his actions theatrical, suggesting that factors like safety, scams, and infrastructure issues are bigger tourist deterrents than ...

Somehow, not encouraging.

[ikke1959]

I am against casinos surely in Thailand, as people here gamble already a lot.. Only have to see the 2 weeks lottery draw of the Government but also in daily life they gamble illegal. Reason is easy, people don't have a lot of money and think by winning the jackpot life will be easier, but unfortunately they stay losers for ever, as they spend a lot of their money already and they can't stop gambling anymore, which will result in losing their winnings again.

 

The Chinese influence is getting bigger and bigger in Thailand and in a few years it seems that Thailand will be the new Taiwan for China...

[englishoak]

yer because gambling  dens is so important and attracts high quality tourists right ?  

[dinsdale]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

He revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had consistently voiced opposition to the bill, warning of consequences for Thai tourism and trade. However, these concerns were not heeded, and Thai officials continued pushing the legislation.

Dictator Xi was protecting his casinos in Cambodia.

[mrmicbkktxl]

13 hours ago, ozz1 said:

After what's happened in Cambodia when the casinos were opened its a good things that they have canned it

The casinos in Cambodia are Chinese owned!!!The planned Casino in Thailand would be Thai owned!!!

[mrmicbkktxl]

Of course the Chinese are not amused if Thailand opens a Casino in Thailand.The Chinese would lose megamuhu money.Every year a lot of thais using casinos in Laos and Cambodia.If Thailand had a Casino the money would stay in Thailand 

[Muhendis]

21 hours ago, smedly said:

the severe impact is on your pocket

Absolutely.

He has an engineering degree and is sadly not going to be building this casino complex.

Google says:-

"Anutin is heir to a major construction company fortune. His family's company, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction PCL, built several government mega-projects such as Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. An engineer, Anutin served as president of Sino-Thai."

[Lucky Bones]

8 minutes ago, mrmicbkktxl said:

The casinos in Cambodia are Chinese owned!!!The planned Casino in Thailand would be Thai owned!!!

Righto. If you say so.🙃🙃

[JonnyF]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The ongoing uncertainty regarding the casino policy has reportedly led to a 90% drop in Chinese tourist numbers, significantly hurting those in the hospitality and retail sectors.

 

I highly doubt this was the reason.

 

More likely the negative, high profile incidents that have happened to Chinese tourists in Thailand and subsequently gone viral on Chinese social media. Plus the fact the Chinese don't have the spending power that they did previously. 

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

He claims it has led to a drastic decline in Chinese tourists, devastating local businesses.

Sod-all to do with the Casino bill.... China is in maeltdown

[JonnyF]

It's classic China.

 

Make a country dependent on you, then use that dependence as leverage. 

[thesetat]

2 hours ago, englishoak said:

yer because gambling  dens is so important and attracts high quality tourists right ?  

Do you really think a casino in Thailand would draw high quality tourists? Or that it would affect the amount of tourism? 

[NoMoonLogistics]

Some facts >> 

 

Xi is dead set serious about slashing the waterfalls of yuan - and especially the yuan of currupt CCP officials - that flows out of China and into overseas casinos.

 

Fact 2. Yes, ChInese criminals control many/most of the Cambodian and Myanmar casinos - but niether the Chinese government nor Xi Xi PingPongBalls does personally.

 

You will never defeat your enemy if you beleve your own BS propaganda.

[Scouse123]

19 hours ago, SMIAI said:

I don't understand the post above mine. Where did Anutin state that Thai casinos are bringing more tourists in?  I don't see that.

 

 

Don't worry, inability to read is usual on Asean Now; in fact, I think it's a requirement to comment.

[Scouse123]

53 minutes ago, thesetat said:

Do you really think a casino in Thailand would draw high quality tourists? Or that it would affect the amount of tourism? 

 

No.

 

Complete nonsense from those with vested interests.

 

It would draw the worst of the Chinese mafia into Thailand.

 

They've already ruined Sihanoukville, Cambodia and areas of Myanmar and no-go areas in Laos.

[LALes]

Chinese tourists were scared off by the call center kidnappings, not a lack of casinos.

Casinos in Cambodia have been operating for years with no effect on Thailand tourism.

One person who doesn't want casinos in Thailand is Hun Sen.  Unwanted competition 

for Sihanoukville.

[khunjeff]

On 7/9/2025 at 10:17 AM, webfact said:

The ongoing uncertainty regarding the casino policy has reportedly led to a 90% drop in Chinese tourist numbers

 

Sure, that makes total sense - I know I personally always base my travel decisions on which bills are being debated in the legislatures of potential destinations. Doesn't everyone? 🙄

[Scouse123]

1 hour ago, LALes said:

Chinese tourists were scared off by the call center kidnappings, not a lack of casinos.

Casinos in Cambodia have been operating for years with no effect on Thailand tourism.

One person who doesn't want casinos in Thailand is Hun Sen.  Unwanted competition 

for Sihanoukville.

 

And  unwanted competition for Poipet and Phnom Penn as well.

[Travel Dude]

Thailand 🇹🇭 having a Casino or not is internal policy. If China 🇨🇳 is involved, than fear for Thailands sovereignty more than the little scuffles with Cambodia 🇰🇭