Thailand’s Casino Industry Faces Setback Amid PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Suspension
Tuesday 08 de July 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(Bangkok).- The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was shelved amid mounting political uncertainty after PM Paetongtarn’s suspension from office last week
Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday (July 8) dropped a bill to legalise casino gambling, dealing a blow to a key initiative of the embattled ruling Pheu Thai party and its recently suspended prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was seen as a flagship project for the Pheu Thai government. The party argued the bill would bring an existing underground gambling economy into the mainstream and help revitalise the country’s sluggish economy.
But the proposal has now been shelved, amid mounting political uncertainty after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from office last week. She is under investigation for an alleged ethics violation related to her handling of a territorial dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.
Bill pulled amid political vacuum
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab said the cabinet decided to withdraw the bill because it “needs more studies that require further understanding and social context.”
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat also acknowledged the timing was unfavourable. “We accept it’s not the appropriate time,” he told reporters. “It’s a shame, the delay is a lost opportunity for the country.”
The legislation had been a controversial but central component of Pheu Thai’s economic agenda. Most forms of gambling remain illegal in Thailand, but Pheu Thai had pushed the bill as a pragmatic solution to both crack down on illegal betting and attract new revenue.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
G2E - Las Vegas 2025
06 de October 2025
Atlaslive Explored the Future of Gaming in Latin America at Recent G2E 2025
(Las Vegas, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Bruno Almeida, Head of Sales LATAM at Atlaslive, attended G2E for the first time to explore how land-based and online gaming are converging. His experience highlighted key trends shaping the Latin American market, from immersive casino innovations to strategic networking and regulatory insights.
Monday 27 Oct 2025 / 12:00
G2E 2025: Cristian Galarza, ASAP Director Explains the Importance of Attending the Event
(Las Vegas, SoloAzar Exclusive). - After attending the 25th anniversary edition of G2E in Las Vegas, ASAP’s director shares his perspective on the evolution of the industry, driven by digitalization, efficiency, and the creation of international networks that foster new business opportunities.
Tuesday 28 Oct 2025 / 12:00
ASAP Américas at G2E: Logistics, Technology and Networking in Las Vegas
(Buenos Aires).- ASAP Américas’ participation in the Global Gaming Expo 2025 reaffirmed its commitment to international logistics and global trade. The company provides end-to-end solutions, from shipping specialized equipment to coordinating materials and exhibits for global events.
Friday 24 Oct 2025 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.