Thailand’s Senate is moving forward with a deeper review of casino legalisation by forming two subcommittees, each focused on different aspects of the proposal. One group will assess potential social impacts, while the other will examine the economic outcomes that might follow the development of casino-integrated entertainment complexes. Although support within the coalition-led government remains strong, officials now appear to be taking a more cautious approach—one that includes input from various political figures and structured subcommittee reviews.
Good to know
- Two Senate subcommittees will report by the end of July.
- Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill is expected to enter parliament in early July.
- Legalisation process faces delays due to lack of public engagement and preparation.
According to a Friday report from the Bangkok Post, the two subcommittees will present their findings to the full Senate committee before the end of July. These insights will be used to guide discussions in parliament once the government submits the Entertainment Complex Bill.
The bill, which proposes the introduction of casino resorts as part of broader entertainment complexes, had been scheduled for an earlier reading. However, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delayed it in April to allow other government priorities to proceed first. Lawmakers now anticipate the bill will reach the National Assembly in early July.
Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, who chairs the special Senate committee handling the casino issue, said that the full committee will hold its next meeting on May 15. At that session, they plan to invite both current and former prime ministers, including Thaksin Shinawatra—the father of the current prime minister—to take part in discussions. While it is possible the prime minister may send a representative, the committee is hoping she will attend in person.
Social and Economic Dimensions Under Review
The first subcommittee is focused on social implications. Its remit includes reviewing potential negative effects tied to casino development, as well as legal procedures, environmental concerns, urban planning, and the process of holding a public referendum as required under Section 77 of the constitution for major policy changes.
The second subcommittee will explore the economic side of legalising casino resorts, including expected revenue, tourism benefits, and employment impacts. The analysis may also cover online gambling, which remains illegal in Thailand. If digital platforms were to be included in future entertainment complexes, lawmakers would need to legalise and regulate them separately.
Earlier in the week, participants at G2E Asia 2025, a major casino industry event held in Macau, noted that the path toward legalisation in Thailand has faced delays. Missteps in engaging the public and lack of early groundwork were seen as contributing factors.
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