Protesters gathered near Chamai Maruchet Bridge outside Government House in Bangkok on March 11, 2025 to oppose the government's draft bill on casino-entertainment complexes, saying it would pander to gambling and bring about social deterioration1. The rally came as the Entertainment Complex Bill, which would allow integrated entertainment complexes containing casinos, was moving through the legislative process2.
The special committee overseeing the project has named Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Phuket as the first four locations2. The committee said the 500-billion-baht project is expected to attract at least 50 million visitors annually and create at least 40,000 jobs2. Each complex would feature a five-star hotel, a world-class shopping mall, an amusement park, a sports arena, a convention hall and a large exhibition center, with less than 10% of the space allocated for a casino2.
The bill was originally due to be presented at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday, but the presentation was postponed because the Ministry of Finance was receiving public feedback through its website until Friday2. The Stop Gambling Foundation criticized the current version of the bill for containing loopholes and lacking tight measures to prevent young people who gamble from developing a gambling habit2.
The Senate later formally rejected the draft bill, citing serious concerns over social impact, economic disruption and national security1. A special Senate committee chaired by Senator Dr Veerapun Suvannamai reviewed the bill, which had been introduced by the administration of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra1. The committee concluded that the proposed legislation could lead to long-term harm, including increased vulnerability to money laundering and an erosion of public trust, according to a report presented during a session led by Senate Deputy President Gen Kriangkrai Srirak1.
"The Senate has formally rejected the government's draft bill proposing the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes that include casinos, citing serious concerns over social impact, economic disruption and national security."
The committee urged that any future attempt to legalize casinos must involve public participation through a national referendum1. Senator Sorachart Vachirasuwannaporn, vice chair of the committee, proposed the formation of a new study group so alternative models can be explored1. These include building entertainment complexes without casinos, limited-access casino zones with strict controls and regulated online gambling platforms1. He cited international examples such as Sydney, Australia, where casino access is restricted to registered tourists, as a potential model for Thailand1.
Senator Chinkhan Sangnasak delivered a stinging critique, accusing the bill of misleading the public by disguising its true intent1.
Senator Sittiphol Thonghong warned that recent government initiatives, such as relaxing poker and promoting retirement lotteries, have normalized gambling behavior1. He argued that these trends could pave the way for full-scale casino legalization and urged the incoming administration to withdraw the bill completely1.
Dr Veerapun clarified that the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) had set to be dissolved in four months with a memorandum of agreement signed between the BJT and the main opposition, in exchange for their support in forming a government, and that any political party intending to legalize casinos should declare it openly during their campaign rather than conceal it under a broader entertainment policy1.
The Senate committee opposed the current version of the casino-entertainment complex bill last week, warning of grave constitutional, economic and social consequences if the project moves forward1. The committee report concluded that the draft law, championed by the Paetongtarn administration, would yield little real economic value, as revenue would largely transfer from losers to winners rather than generating new wealth, while infrastructure costs and the state burden would be high1.
What it means for players
Thailand has no legal casino gambling under current law, and the bill that would have created licensed casino-entertainment complexes has been rejected by the Senate1. The four proposed locations were Bangkok, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai and Phuket2. The committee's proposed alternatives, including casino zones restricted to registered tourists, remain proposals and have not been adopted1. Online gambling platforms in Thailand are not regulated under the rejected bill1. The status of gambling enforcement for locals, expats and visitors is unchanged by the Senate rejection.
What happens next
The Senate has formally rejected the draft bill1. The committee proposed forming a new study group to explore alternative models, including entertainment complexes without casinos, limited-access casino zones and regulated online gambling platforms1. It also urged that any future attempt to legalize casinos involve public participation through a national referendum1. Senator Sittiphol urged the incoming administration to withdraw the bill completely1. No timeline for these steps has been reported.
For more on the legal position across the region, see Gambling Laws in Asia: What Is Legal in 12 Jurisdictions and Can I Gamble in Thailand?.
Sources2 sources
- Bangkok Post - Senate shoots down casino bill, bangkokpost.com
- Casino cities in Thailand named Bangkok Post Learning - Learn English from News, bangkokpost.com
