Key points:
- Casino-entertainment complex bill seen as political "time-bomb"
- Bhumjaithai Party faces difficult decision over support
- Government aims to balance economic growth against public resistance
As reported by the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s controversial casino-entertainment complex bill has become a potential flashpoint within the Pheu Thai-led coalition, raising questions about political stability ahead of the next parliamentary session.
The bill, originally scheduled for its first reading on 9 April, was postponed after resistance emerged against the government's effort to fast-track the deliberation. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has confirmed the legislation remains under consideration, with the Government focusing on gathering further public feedback.
Demonstrations organised by the Network of Students and People Reforming Thailand and the Anti-Casino alliance reflect growing unease. The proposed bill seeks to legalise casinos as part of larger entertainment complexes, aiming to bolster economic growth and reduce reliance on seasonal tourism. Projections suggest annual revenues between THB119bn and THB283bn (US$3.2bn–US$7.6bn), with expectations of a 5–10% rise in foreign tourist arrivals.
Political analysts suggest the bill could strain relations between coalition partners. Bhumjaithai Party’s secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob has openly opposed casinos, complicating the party’s position within the government. If Bhumjaithai maintains its opposition, it risks leaving the coalition, forcing the government to seek support from smaller parties to maintain a narrow majority.
Thanaporn Sriyakul, Director of the Political and Public Policy Analysis Institute, believes Bhumjaithai faces significant risks whether it supports or rejects the proposal. Meanwhile, leader Anutin Charnvirakul’s reputation as a conservative could be questioned if his party backs casino legalisation.
Despite the controversy, analysts predict the Pheu Thai Party will continue to push the bill forward, calculating that the long-term economic benefits outweigh the political risks.
The next session of parliament, due to begin on 2 July, will reveal how the political drama unfolds.
