Anutin Confirms Thailand Will Not Legalize Casinos After Talks With Xi

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made it clear his administration will not pursue casino legalization — a stance that earned approval from Chinese President Xi Jinping during their recent meeting in South Korea.

Good to Know

• Xi welcomed Anutin’s decision to abandon casino legalization plans.
• China agreed to promote tourism and strengthen cooperation with Thailand.
• Chinese arrivals to Thailand fell 34% in early 2025 due to economic and safety concerns.

The leaders met during last week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, themed “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.” According to Anutin, Xi “was satisfied with the confirmation” that Thailand would not move forward with its shelved gaming bill.

Xi’s Support Tied to Casino Policy

Speaking at Bangkok’s Wing 6 air base after returning from APEC, Anutin said the discussion went smoothly:

“The talks went well and were full of mutual understanding. President Xi appeared more at ease when he learned that the current Thai government has no policy to legalise casinos. This means the Chinese government will support its citizens in visiting Thailand with confidence.”

The exchange signals a diplomatic balance — Thailand’s decision to abandon casino legalization in exchange for renewed Chinese tourism, a key economic driver for the country.

Thailand’s New Leader Reverses Course

Anutin, who took office on September 5 after the impeachment of former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has consistently opposed casino development. The Bhumjaithai Party leader said shortly after his election that Thailand would “have to wait for another prime minister” before casinos could be considered.

Under Paetongtarn, the Entertainment Complex Bill had been approved by cabinet earlier in 2025. The Ministry of Finance projected that legal casinos could:

• Boost tourist arrivals by 5–10% annually
• Increase per-visitor spending to as much as $1,945
• Double tourism revenue to $7 billion
• Create roughly 15,300 jobs
• Generate $354 million to $1.1 billion in annual tax revenue
• Attract up to $2.9 billion in new investment

Despite the promise of economic growth, the proposal drew criticism from Beijing. Xi reportedly told Paetongtarn during her February visit to China that casinos could fuel criminal activity. He also warned that Beijing might “implement measures to significantly reduce Chinese travel, trade and investment with Thailand” if the bill advanced.

Chinese Tourism Still Vital Despite Downturn

Even without a casino industry, Thailand remains heavily reliant on Chinese travelers. According to Nation Thailand, Chinese arrivals dropped 34% in the first half of 2025 due to economic concerns and safety fears following the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar, which caused tremors across northern Thailand.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has since revised its forecast for total foreign arrivals from 37 million to 33 million — well below the record 40 million visitors in 2019.

Thanapol Cheewarattanaporn, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, stressed the need to keep Chinese tourism stable:

“Reducing our reliance completely is difficult. Our priority now is to maintain travel flows given the sheer size of the Chinese market base.”

Cooperation Beyond Tourism

Following the APEC meetings, Xi expressed willingness to strengthen China-Thailand cooperation not only in tourism but also in trade, cultural exchange, and investment. The two nations plan to build on their long-standing relationship as Thailand repositions its economy without legal casinos on the horizon.

FAQ

Why did Thailand drop plans to legalize casinos?

Prime Minister Anutin opposes casino legalization, citing social risks. His stance also aligns with China’s preference to avoid gambling expansion in the region.

What was the Entertainment Complex Bill?

It was a proposal from the previous government to create integrated resort-style casinos aimed at boosting tourism and revenue.

How did China influence the decision?

Beijing signaled it would limit travel and investment if Thailand approved casino legalization, leading the new government to abandon the plan.

How is Thailand’s tourism sector performing?

Chinese arrivals fell 34% in early 2025, prompting revised tourism forecasts. Despite the decline, China remains Thailand’s most important visitor market.

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