Is this the end of Thailand casino try?
Political upheaval in Thailand may spell the end for a controversial casino proposal. Lawmakers have now removed the bill from the upcoming parliamentary schedule.
Yet again, efforts to bring casino resorts to Thailand have stalled.
On July 1, the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethics breaches, pending a lengthy review. The move followed a June call between Paetongtarn and Cambodia’s Hun Sen.
During the discussion, the PM appeared to back Cambodia in a border dispute with Thailand. More damaging, she criticised one of her own generals.
“They just want to look tough,” she said. “They will say things that don’t help the nation.” She even told Hun Sen, “If you need anything, just ask me, I’ll manage it.”
When the recording surfaced, public outrage erupted, fueling demands for her ouster. The uproar has also imperiled a central pillar of her economic plan: the controversial Entertainment Complex Bill.
The measure would have introduced five integrated resorts with casinos nationwide. Supporters hoped it would draw investment, boost tourism and create jobs. But critics warned it would worsen corruption, social issues and problem gambling.
On Monday, parliament dropped the bill from the session where it had been set as Thursday’s lead agenda item.
Ruling party turned lame duck
Government whip Visuth Chainaroon argued that the withdrawal wasn’t “out of fear or anything. We just want to talk with the public first and ease any doubts.”
Still, the scandal has weakened Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party. The Bhumjaithai Party quit the coalition, demanded her resignation, and vowed to fight the casino push. With only a slim majority left, Pheu Thai will struggle to pass major legislation—especially one so divisive.
Gaming consultant Brendan Bussmann of B2 Global doubts Paetongtarn will return to power. “I don’t think she makes it back. If she does, she’ll be weakened and ineffective.” He also warned investors to reconsider, citing Thailand’s policy flip-flop on cannabis.
Thailand legalised medical marijuana in 2018 and recreational use in 2022, the first in Southeast Asia. But last month, authorities suddenly banned recreational cannabis again. The reversal killed the “green rush” that created 18,000 dispensaries.
“Why risk entering that market?” Bussmann asked. “You could pour billions into a resort, and then the government changes its mind.”
“Casinos need stability,” he added. “If you want top-tier resorts that generate billions, you must ensure consistency. Rules can’t keep shifting.”
