Thailand's former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, described as one of the main proponents of the country's gambling legislation, was dismissed on 14 August 20241. The dismissal leaves the passage of legislation to permit casino complexes uncertain as it makes its way through parliament, although some governmental figures still support its passing1.
Thailand's government is currently devising legislation that would permit the construction of "entertainment complexes" that will boast casinos, hotels, restaurants, convention centers, and entertainment venues1. The planned casinos would be spread throughout the country's main tourist hubs: two are planned for Bangkok, one in Chiang Mai, and one in Phuket, with one likely to be built somewhere in the Eastern Economic Corridor1.
Both tourists and Thai residents would be permitted to enter and gamble at the casino1. Thai citizens would have to pay an entry fee of $215, while admission to foreign visitors would be free1.
Gambling has been officially banned in the country since the passing of the country's Gambling Act in 1935 and was strictly prohibited even before then, and gambling is generally frowned upon by Thai society1. Experts already estimate that the introduction of Thai casino complexes could boost the country's tourism revenue by $12 billion1. In 2023, Thailand welcomed over 28.15 million people1. Since March 2024, both Chinese and Thai tourists have been able to visit each other's countries freely, without needing a visa, and an estimated eight million Chinese tourists will visit Thailand by the end of the year1.
The legislation's fate matters beyond Thailand. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr recently announced the shutdown of all offshore casinos, known as POGOs, which operate within the Philippines and cater mostly to the Chinese market1. Last year, the Philippines gaming regulator estimated that the country's gambling revenue would at least double by 2028, but with a potential Thai gambling market to compete with, whether this will be attained is no longer clear1.
"One of the main proponents of the gambling legislation was former prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed on 14 August this year."
What it means for players
Gambling remains officially banned in Thailand under the 1935 Gambling Act, and nothing in the current legislation has changed that1. The proposed entertainment complexes would admit both tourists and Thai residents, with Thai citizens paying a $215 entry fee and foreign visitors entering free1. Until the legislation passes, no such venues exist and no casino gambling is permitted in the country. For players in the wider region, the picture is also unsettled: the Philippines has announced the shutdown of all offshore casinos catering mostly to the Chinese market1, while the Thai bill's progress through parliament is now in doubt1. Whether Thai casinos open, and on what terms, has not been reported.
What happens next
The legislation may now face difficulty as it makes its way through parliament, although some governmental figures still support its passing1. No date for a parliamentary vote or further steps has been reported.
Sources1 sources
- Thailand could become the main gambling hub in Southeast Asia, usa.inquirer.net
