Will Thailand’s New Prime Minister Pursue Her Predecessor’s Plan to Legalize Casinos?

August 21, 2024 Thailand Industry Updates

Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is expected to continue pursuing the legalization of casino gaming, a plan previously championed by her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin. Thavisin, who supported the initiative strongly, was recently removed from office by the Constitutional Court over ethical breaches. This move has cast a shadow over Thailand’s integrated resort (IR) plans, but political and industry experts suggest that Shinawatra will likely keep the casino project on track.

Shinawatra, 37, is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who remains a significant behind-the-scenes influence in Thai politics. Her appointment as Prime Minister is viewed as a strategic move to maintain the Pheu Thai party’s policies, including the push for legalized casino gaming. Thaksin’s previous tenure saw the casino plan as a major economic initiative, and his daughter’s rise to power signals continuity in this policy direction.

“Thaksin and his daughter as new PM will continue with the casino plan, as tourism including MICE is a major plank of Pheu Thai’s economic policies,” William J Jones was quoted as saying in an August 19 report published by Inside Asian Gaming. Jones is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Bangkok’s Mahidol University International College.

The casino proposal, which has faced resistance within the coalition government, particularly from the Bhumjaithai party, continues to face challenges. The Bhumjaithai party has voiced concerns over the efficacy of legal casinos in addressing illegal gambling and questioned their potential economic benefits.

Additionally, General Prawit Wongsuwon, a Pheu Thai MP, has been reported to have disagreements with Thaksin, adding another layer of complexity to the legislative process.

Despite these challenges, the casino project remains a key focus. Industry experts believe that Shinawatra’s administration will aim to push forward with the casino plan, motivated by the need to address the coalition government’s lack of tangible achievements over the past year. There is broad parliamentary support for the benefits of legalized casinos, though public resistance and regulatory hurdles could slow progress.

IAG’s unnamed source who is an industry expert pointed out: “I believe that this PM and her government will continue to push to set up an IR and casino industry quickly as the coalition government has been in power for a year with no tangible achievements to date.

“Although there is some opposition over the detail, there is still broad parliamentary consensus over the benefits of legalized casino gaming.

“That said however, trying to rush such an important initiative would be a mistake, as building the legislative and regulatory foundations is an imperative for attracting major international investors, which is reportedly the government’s aim.”

International casino operators and local advocates are hopeful that the new administration will accelerate the development of casino resorts, which are expected to bring significant foreign investment and create thousands of jobs.

AGBrief indicates that the U-Tapao Airport redevelopment situated near Pattaya was considered a potential site for the first entertainment complex. However, it might be re-evaluated in favor of a location in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, aligning with Thaksin’s broader ambitions.

The legislative journey for the casino proposal includes a crucial public feedback period, which ended quietly on August 18, 2024. The draft legislation outlines key policy plans but will need to navigate public scrutiny and potential opposition from Buddhist groups and other stakeholders.

The forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle in early September could introduce new decision-makers, influencing the direction of the casino project.