Thai PM delays casino bill review amid protests

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Thailand’s Entertainment Complex (EC) bill, which includes provisions to legalise casinos, has been delayed as Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra deemed it unready for cabinet review. Speaking to reporters outside Government House on Tuesday, she said the government must consider all stakeholders’ views before the bill moves forward.

A vote to advance the Thai Finance Ministry’s EC bill was expected in the National Assembly on Tuesday, as MPs finalise key legislation before the term ends on 11 April. However, Paetongtarn, who faces a no-confidence vote on 24 March, downplayed any urgency, saying that careful evaluation was necessary given that Thailand has never legalised casinos.

Opposition, public reaction

The decision to slow the bill’s progress follows strong opposition from numerous activist groups. Protesters gathered outside Government House on Tuesday, vowing to escalate demonstrations if lawmakers tried to push forward with the legislation. Last week, three organisations—the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Dharma Army, and the Centre of People for Monarchy Protection—staged rallies at the Finance Ministry, calling for the bill’s withdrawal.

Former red-shirt activist Jatuporn Prompan, one of the protest leaders, said legalised casinos would damage Thai society. “People who love the country must rise up and unite to fight the legalisation of casinos and online gambling, as this will ruin our nation,” he said, the Bangkok Post reported.

Economic impact, political uncertainty

The delay comes as concerns over political stability weigh on investor confidence. The Thailand unit of China Galaxy Securities, part of China’s second-largest securities group, recently downgraded its 2025 earnings forecast for the Stock Exchange of Thailand, citing political volatility and uncertainty over key government projects, including the EC bill.

Ben Lee, managing partner of IGamiX Management Consulting, told local media that casino legalisation often faces major political hurdles. “It’s always a good idea to have consensus on a potentially divisive issue such as casinos. Japan is a prime example of what happens when a ruling party pushed through gaming legislation without achieving consensus,” he added.

A controversial element of the bill is the requirement for Thai citizens to prove they have at least USD 1.5mn (THB 50.8mn) in savings to enter a casino. Industry observers said this restriction would deter foreign investment and limit domestic participation, raising concerns over the project’s viability. Paetongtarn said this provision remains under review.

Beyond the protests, tensions within the ruling coalition may also be affecting the bill’s progress. The Nation reported that friction between Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai Party and coalition partner Bhumjaithai is complicating legislative efforts. As the no-confidence vote approaches, observers said political infighting may continue to delay or derail the casino bill.