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
GAT Expo CDMX 2025
28 de August 2025
Update on Mexico's Gaming and Raffles Law: Experts discuss its present and future at GAT Expo Mexico 2025
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the Expo Santa Fe Convention Center, gaming industry leaders analyzed the challenges and opportunities of the reform to the Gaming and Raffles Law, in a panel moderated by Rosa Ochoa of SCCG Management LATAM.
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025 / 12:00
GAT CDMX 2025: Experts Discussed Innovation in iGaming and Sports Betting in Mexico
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- As part of the GAT CDMX 2025 Institutional Academy, leading industry executives met in Mexico City to analyze the challenges and opportunities presented by innovation in online gaming, iGaming, and sports betting. Artificial intelligence, omnichannel, user experience, and the role of streamers were some of the central topics discussed.
Monday 15 Sep 2025 / 12:00
21Viral Strengthens Industry Ties and LatAm Expansion at GAT Mexico
(Mexico City, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At GAT Expo Mexico, 21Viral made a powerful impression through strategic networking, insightful participation, and a clear vision for growth across Latin America. Luz Serna, Head of Sales LatAm (i Gaming), highlighted the event’s rich academic content and the valuable alliances formed with key operators and stakeholders in the Mexican gaming industry.
Monday 15 Sep 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.