Thailand’s Casino Industry Faces Setback Amid PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s Suspension
Tuesday 08 de July 2025 / 12:00
⏱ 1 min read
(Bangkok).- The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was shelved amid mounting political uncertainty after PM Paetongtarn’s suspension from office last week
Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday (July 8) dropped a bill to legalise casino gambling, dealing a blow to a key initiative of the embattled ruling Pheu Thai party and its recently suspended prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The so-called “entertainment complex” bill, which aimed to authorise casinos and position Thailand as a regional gambling hub, was seen as a flagship project for the Pheu Thai government. The party argued the bill would bring an existing underground gambling economy into the mainstream and help revitalise the country’s sluggish economy.
But the proposal has now been shelved, amid mounting political uncertainty after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn from office last week. She is under investigation for an alleged ethics violation related to her handling of a territorial dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.
Bill pulled amid political vacuum
Government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsab said the cabinet decided to withdraw the bill because it “needs more studies that require further understanding and social context.”
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat also acknowledged the timing was unfavourable. “We accept it’s not the appropriate time,” he told reporters. “It’s a shame, the delay is a lost opportunity for the country.”
The legislation had been a controversial but central component of Pheu Thai’s economic agenda. Most forms of gambling remain illegal in Thailand, but Pheu Thai had pushed the bill as a pragmatic solution to both crack down on illegal betting and attract new revenue.
Categoría:Legislation
Tags: Sin tags
País: Thailand
Región: Asia
Event
SBC Summit Americas 2026
09 de June 2026
Belatra Games Highlights Networking Value at SBC Summit Americas 2026
(Fort Lauderdale, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Lucila M. Barletta, Head of Accounts LatAm at Belatra Games, shared her insights on the company’s participation at SBC Summit Americas. From strengthening partnerships to exploring new opportunities, she emphasized the importance of both large industry events and smaller networking experiences in driving meaningful business growth.
Friday 03 Jul 2026 / 12:00
Zenith Strengthens LATAM Presence at SBC Summit Americas
(Fort Lauderdale, SoloAzar Exclusive).- In conversation with SoloAzar, Eddie Morales, Zenith's Business Development Manager, shared the company’s objectives at SBC Summit Americas, the opportunities generated, and the outlook on the future of the gaming industry in Latin America.
Friday 03 Jul 2026 / 12:00
LSports LATAM Secures Major Partnerships at SBC Summit Americas 2026
(Fort Lauderdale, SoloAzar Exclusive).- In Q&A after SBC Summit Americas 2026, Fernando Martinez, representative of LSports LATAM, talked about the company’s goals, achievements, and future plans in the region. Martinez shares insights on the evolving dynamics of the Latin American market, the importance of strategic partnerships, and how LSports is positioning itself as a leading data and trading services provider.
Wednesday 01 Jul 2026 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.
