Thailand’s New Prime Minister Dampens Hopes for Casino Legalisation
Monday 08 de September 2025 / 12:00
2 minutos de lectura
(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
Event
iGaming Club Conference Cancun
24 de November 2025
Levon Nikoghosyan Confirms iGaming Cancun’s Success and Future LATAM Expansion
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The vibrant energy of iGaming Cancun has set the tone for a new chapter in the Latin American iGaming industry. Levon Nikoghosyan, CEO and Co-Founder of AffPapa and iGaming Club, shared his enthusiasm for the event’s debut in Mexico, highlighting its impact on the regional market and the company’s ambitious plans for the future.
Thursday 04 Dec 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025 Concludes Successfully with Strong Connections in Its First LatAm Edition
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- iGaming Club Cancún 2025 came to a close last night with a comprehensive experience of conferences, networking, and the AffPapa iGaming Awards LATAM gala, consolidating itself as a unique space for operators, affiliates, and providers in the region.
Thursday 27 Nov 2025 / 12:00
iGaming Club Cancún 2025: Affiliates, Operators, and Innovation Take Center Stage on Final Day
(Cancun, SoloAzar Exclusive).- The second and final day of iGaming Club Cancún 2025 unfolds today, bringing together operators, affiliates, and select B2B providers in a unique networking and conference environment that highlights the evolving dynamics of the Latin American iGaming market.
Wednesday 26 Nov 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.