Any future attempts to legalize casino gaming in Thailand will require public approval by way of a referendum according to recommendations put forward by the country’s Senate.
A special Senate committee chaired by Senator Dr Veerapun Suvannamai this week formally rejected the former government’s draft Entertainment Complex Bill this week, citing concerns around social impact, economic disruption and national security. Specifically, the committee deemed that the bill could result in long-term harm such as increased vulnerability to money laundering and an erosion of public trust, according to a report by the Bangkok Post.
Committee members also proposed studying alternative models for legalized casinos, although many of the proposals put forward as examples are questionable at best, including the development of entertainment complexes without casinos, limited-access casino zones with strict controls and regulated online gambling platforms. As international operators have stated, attracting investment into such complexes without a casino component would not be a viable option.
According to the Bangkok Post’s report, one senator also suggested following the Australian model of restricting casino access to registered tourists – even though no such restrictions exist at any of Australia’s 14 licensed casinos.
On the draft bill, Senator Chinachot Saengsang said, “The casino is not a side feature – it’s the core of the proposal. If the new government includes casino legalisation in its policy platform, it risks undermining public confidence and long-term governance.”
The committee’s report ultimately found that the bill would deliver minimal economic value and lead to significant infrastructure costs with the potential for state burden.
The bill was previously withdrawn by the former Shinawatra government from the agenda for study by the House in July due to growing vocal opposition.
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