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What happens to casino plans when the prime minister calls gambling economically harmful?
Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has rejected using gambling to stimulate the economy, saying the country will have to “wait for another prime minister” if gambling is considered an economic tool. The Bhumjaithai Party leader made the comments to local press on Wednesday whilst discussing plans for the Ministry of Interior.
Anutin’s election on Friday ended a week-long power vacuum following the ousting of predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose coalition government had promoted policies to legalise entertainment complexes housing casinos.
Casino legislation faces reversal under new leadership
How quickly can political changes kill years of gambling reform progress?
Thailand’s House of Representatives voted by large majority in early July to approve cabinet-requested withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Bill. The entertainment complex legislation had been a key policy of Shinawatra’s coalition government, including her Pheu Thai Party.
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party had initially joined Shinawatra’s coalition in 2023 but withdrew in June over her alleged misconduct in a leaked phone call with Cambodian ex-leader Hun Sen. This coalition breakdown preceded the gambling policy reversal.
The new prime minister said Wednesday he disagreed with stimulating the economy through gambling activities. His position represents a complete departure from the previous government’s approach to Thailand casino development, despite the potential $42 billion investment at stake.
Poker classification under review
Will Thailand reverse its recent recognition of poker as a sport?
Anutin announced he is considering reviewing poker’s current legal status after recent policy changes. Thailand recently lifted its poker ban to open doors for regulated international play.
On 23 July, the Sports Authority of Thailand approved classifying poker as a sport eligible for registration. Subsequently on 30 July, the Ministry of Interior revoked a 1958 order setting rules for gambling permits, which had included bans on card games like poker.
Anutin said he had opposed poker’s reclassification as a sport when serving as interior minister, a role he resigned from in June when Bhumjaithai broke from the coalition. His return to the ministry position suggests poker’s sport status faces renewed scrutiny.
Fresh elections promised amid policy uncertainty
Can Thailand’s gambling industry survive constant political upheaval?
Following his election on 5 September, Anutin vowed to hold fresh elections to select a new government. This promise adds further uncertainty to Thailand’s gambling policy landscape as stakeholders face potential additional government changes.
The rapid policy reversals highlight how Thai gambling regulation remains subject to political instability. Previous governments have made progress on casino legalisation only to see policies reversed when leadership changes.
Gaming operators and investors monitoring Thailand’s casino market now face renewed uncertainty about the regulatory environment. Understanding the broader context of gambling regulation in Thailand helps explain these ongoing political challenges.
Anutin’s firm opposition to gambling as economic policy suggests Thailand casino development will remain stalled under his leadership, forcing industry stakeholders to await future political changes.
Source: GGR Asia
