Thailand postpones casino legalization debate following coalition government talks

Thailand’s proposed legislation to legalize casino resorts has been temporarily shelved following a cabinet decision this week. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed the postponement on Tuesday, stating that the Entertainment Complex Bill would not proceed to parliamentary debate as scheduled on Wednesday, April 9.

The Thai Public Broadcasting System first reported the delay, which comes amid ongoing discussions within the ruling coalition. Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party-led government, emphasized that the bill had not been withdrawn, noting that more urgent national matters had taken priority.

The delay follows earlier statements suggesting confidence in the bill’s progress. On Monday, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat told The Nation that he believed the proposed legislation was likely to pass its first reading in the lower house of the National Assembly.

Under the draft framework, casino licenses would be granted for a 30-year term, with the option to renew for an additional decade. Each entertainment complex would require a minimum investment of THB100 billion (approximately US$2.88 billion).

Operators would be limited to companies incorporated in Thailand, either as limited or public limited companies, and must hold at least THB10 billion ($0.2 billion) in paid-up capital.

In addition to casinos, the proposed complexes would host a range of businesses including hotels, conference venues, and tourism attractions.

The Council of State, Thailand’s legal advisory body, also introduced a clause requiring Thai nationals to maintain a THB50 million bank deposit to be eligible to gamble at the casino venues. Whether this requirement remains part of the bill will be determined by the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, political tensions surrounding the bill have drawn further attention. On Tuesday, the Bangkok Post, citing unnamed sources, reported that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had allegedly attempted to pressure members of the governing coalition to back the legislation.

According to the report, Thaksin warned that lawmakers opposing the bill could face expulsion from the coalition. Thaksin is the founder of the Pheu Thai Party and the father of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The claim was swiftly rejected by Pheu Thai Secretary-General Sorawong Thienthong, who also serves as minister of sports and tourism. “These claims are false, but we cannot control what people choose to believe,” Sorawong said in response to the allegations.