The hopes for regulated gambling in Thailand have been shattered after the nation’s new Prime Minister dismissed any efforts to push for industry legalization. Regulation groundwork laid by the last two PMs has been rendered futile by this latest decision.
Thailand's new prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has ruled out legalizing gambling. He told reporters that anyone hoping to see casinos as a tool to boost the economy would ‘have to wait for another prime minister’ as he outlined his plans for the ministry.
His election brought an end to a week of political uncertainty. It followed the removal of former leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, which had left the country without clear leadership.
Anutin has long opposed the Entertainment Complex Bill, which former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai Party pushed. Both leaders lasted about a year in office before being removed over ethics issues. The bill aimed to expand gambling and entertainment and was approved in principle in March. However, it soon faced delays and strong criticism from society. Lawmakers withdrew the bill on 8th July, a week after Paetongtarn's suspension by the Constitutional Court. They cited financial concerns and its wide social impact.
Backers of the casino bill argued it would revive tourism after COVID and attract global investors. But Anutin insists it had the opposite effect. He claims that the move scared away Thailand's biggest tourist group - visitors from China. President Xi Jinping warned Paetongtarn during her trip to Beijing in February that casinos often fuel crime and urged her to drop the plan. Anutin says Xi even threatened to cut Chinese travel and investment if the bill went ahead. But Thai lawmakers pushed it forward and ignored Beijing's concerns.
Anutin argues that this move led to a sharp decline in Chinese arrivals. It left tourism businesses struggling with the loss of nearly 90% of their visitors from China. Apparently, Chinese tourist numbers fell 34% in the first half of 2025 and are down 7% overall this year. However, Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT) official Natthriya Thaweevong blamed it on other causes.
Thailand's political instability is creating concern among both investors and the public. This is according to Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers' Council. Kasetrsuwan mentioned that uncertainty during a power vacuum makes people cautious about spending and investment. He warned that the economy could weaken, and new opportunities slip away.
Bill Barnett voiced concern over the political turmoil's effect on tourism and hotels. The head of Phuket consultancy C9Hotelworks said the industry felt hopeful about the year's outlook just a few months ago, but now momentum has faded. Uncertainty is growing, and pressure is building on Anutin. The new prime minister must call an election within four months. A recent NIDA survey shows 59.24% of voters want parliament dissolved right away to clear the path for stability.
The move by the new Prime Minister is a real letdown for the industry. Lack of a regulated casino industry means all that excitement and opportunity stays off the table. It kills players' dreams of having world-class casinos at home, and feels like a missed jackpot for the economy. We also can't ignore the risk of illegal gambling operations, which pose greater danger than a regulated sector.
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