Thailand’s New Prime Minister Dampens Hopes for Casino Legalisation
Monday 08 de September 2025 / 12:00
⏱ 1 min read
(Bangkok).- The election of construction tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand’s new prime minister is seen as a major setback for casino legalisation efforts, with industry analyst Daniel Cheng predicting a prolonged pause on the country’s Entertainment Complex Bill
Thailand’s newly elected prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, is expected to put casino legalisation efforts on hold, dealing a blow to investors hoping for quick progress. Anutin, a construction magnate and leader of the Bhumjaithai party, was confirmed by parliament on Friday, ending a week-long power vacuum after the removal of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
Paetongtarn’s coalition government had championed the Entertainment Complex Bill, which aimed to legalise integrated resorts with casinos. However, in early July, Thailand’s House of Representatives voted to withdraw the bill at the cabinet’s request, effectively halting the process.
Daniel Cheng, a well-known commentator on the Asia-Pacific gaming sector, told GGRAsia that prospects for casino legalisation are now remote:
“You can pretty much move the entertainment complex [bill] to the bottom drawer and lock it up for the next half year; and if I were a betting man, don’t count on an early sequel.”
Cheng further predicted that if either the People’s Party or Bhumjaithai succeed in forming a government after the 2026 general elections, casinos will likely remain off the agenda, ensuring a “prolonged hiatus.”
He suggested that for casino legalisation to re-emerge before 2030, Thailand would need both economic pressure and bipartisan political support, potentially even a referendum to gain public approval.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
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