Thailand Casino Law Collapse? Senators Warn of Legal Breach

The plan to legalise casino-entertainment complexes in Thailand has been pushed aside—at least for now. As reported by the Bangkok Post, the Pheu Thai-led government has dropped the bill from its priority list after facing growing public backlash and a wave of criticism from lawmakers, the Senate, and former coalition partners. What was once scheduled to be the first item debated on July 9 will now fall to the bottom of the legislative agenda, and some are calling for it to be scrapped completely.

Good to know

• The casino bill will no longer be a top priority when parliament resumes.
• On Thursday, a Senate committee warned the bill may breach the 2017 Constitution.
• A key former coalition party says the bill benefits private investors, not the public.

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri confirmed that the casino-entertainment complex bill, originally set to be debated next week, will now be moved to the end of the agenda. She said the Pheu Thai Party notified government chief whip Wisut Chainarun of the shift. Other draft laws related to peace-building and political amnesty will now take precedence.

Manaporn rejected the idea that the decision was influenced by opposition demands, especially those voiced by People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. “We do not need the opposition to tell us what to do,” she said. “The government always listens to the people and takes their voices into account.”

The Pheu Thai Party had previously argued that casinos would occupy only 10% of the space in larger entertainment zones, framing the proposal as a move to stimulate the economy. But as criticism mounted, the government has distanced itself from any immediate action.

Senators warn of constitutional conflict

In a fresh setback for supporters of the bill, a Senate committee has now recommended that the government withdraw the proposal altogether. Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, who chairs the review panel, said the bill may violate at least four sections of the 2017 Constitution because it failed to mention casinos clearly from the outset.

He warned that framing the bill as an “entertainment complex” law while hiding casino plans could lead to a petition in the Constitutional Court. “It goes against the national strategy,” he said.

The panel also challenged the argument that casinos would give Thailand’s economy a boost. According to the National Economic and Social Development Council, global casino revenues are on the decline, making now a poor time to enter the market.

Veerapun also questioned the projected tax benefits, saying most profits from casinos around the world go to private investors rather than the state.

Not everyone will be allowed to play

The proposed rules would restrict casino access to about 10,000 Thais with bank balances of at least 50 million baht. Veerapun said this makes it unlikely that the law would reduce illegal gambling, since most underground bettors would not meet the financial requirements to enter a legal casino.

“The people already gambling illegally will not stop. They simply will not qualify to walk through the front door,” he added.

Former coalition party doubles down on opposition

Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul said his party’s withdrawal from the coalition was due in part to the casino proposal. “Who really benefits? What do ordinary Thais gain?” he asked.

He warned that casinos often lead to social problems like family breakdowns and crime, while benefiting only a small group of investors. “Thailand has many strengths that should come before this,” he said. “If they still want to go ahead, I am lucky to be out. I can speak freely.”

Despite the opposition, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat insisted that the government could still pass the legislation when the time is right, claiming there would be enough support in parliament and the Senate.

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