Huge Blow to Thailand Casino Plans as New Prime Minister Blocks Bill

Thailand’s new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has shut down hopes for legalized casinos under his leadership. His stance represents a sharp break from previous governments that had promoted integrated entertainment complexes as a driver of tourism and foreign investment.

Good to know

• Anutin Charnvirakul took office on 5 September 2025.
• He opposes the Entertainment Complex Bill backed by Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
• He says casino plans damaged tourism, especially from China.

Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, made clear in a press briefing that “Thailand would have to wait for another prime minister” if casinos were to become legal. He has long been critical of the Entertainment Complex Bill advanced by Pheu Thai Party figures Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, both removed from office on ethics violations.

The proposal was dropped from the parliamentary agenda in July, just one week after the Constitutional Court suspended Paetongtarn. Anutin’s comments confirm his administration will not revisit it.

Supporters of the casino measure had argued that integrated resorts would boost post-Covid tourism. But Anutin countered that the opposite happened, citing a steep decline in visitors from China, traditionally Thailand’s largest inbound market.

He pointed to a February meeting between then-prime minister Paetongtarn and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had warned that casinos could increase crime. According to Anutin, Xi threatened to reduce Chinese travel and trade with Thailand if the bill moved forward.

“The severe consequence is the absence of about 90% of Chinese visitors, which has caused great damage to tourism-related operators,” Anutin said.

Official data suggests arrivals from China fell 34% in the first half of 2025, while overall foreign arrivals are down 7% year to date. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) cited other factors, including April’s deadly earthquake on the Myanmar-Thailand border and global economic pressures. Still, the agency cut its 2025 forecast from 37 million to 33 million visitors, well below the 40 million who traveled in 2019.

Political and Economic Instability

Thailand’s shifting leadership has created uncertainty for investors. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, said instability leads to a “wait-and-see climate for both investment and consumption” that risks slowing growth.

Hospitality analysts also warn of lost momentum. Bill Barnett, managing director of C9Hotelworks, told the Bangkok Post, “Three or four months ago, we were optimistic about the end of the year, but now we are not. We are losing momentum. It’s worrisome.”

Within four months, Anutin must call a general election to select a new government. A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration showed 59% of voters want Parliament dissolved “as soon as possible.”

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