Bangkok, Thailand – On Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near Government House at Chamai Maruchet Bridge to voice their opposition to the Thai government’s Entertainment Complex Bill, which aims to legalize casinos and online gambling. The protest was led by prominent activist Jatuporn Prompan, a former leader of the red-shirt movement.
.
Jatuporn, joined by allies including lawyer Nitithorn Lamluea (known as “Attorney Nok Khao”) and representatives from groups such as the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the People’s Center to Protect the Monarchy, and the Dhamma Army, marched to submit a letter of opposition to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The letter was received by Somkid Cheu-ngam, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The protesters carried signs with bold messages in Thai, including “No Casino” and other slogans decrying the potential social harms of legalized gambling. Images from the rally showed participants waving Thai flags, holding placards, and forming symbolic gestures of refusal, such as crossed arms, to emphasize their stance against the bill.
The Entertainment Complex Bill, approved in draft form by the Thai cabinet on January 13, 2025, is part of the government’s strategy to boost tourism, create jobs, and attract investment. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her father, influential former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, have championed the initiative, arguing that legalizing casinos in entertainment complexes—complete with museums, stadiums, and parks—could generate significant state revenue and position Thailand competitively with neighboring countries like Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines, which already host large casino resorts.
However, the proposal has faced fierce resistance from conservative and religious groups, as well as activists like Jatuporn, who warn of the societal risks. In a statement reported by Thai media on March 9th, 2025, Jatuporn urged Thais to unite against the bill, claiming it could “ruin our nation and weaken our people” by fostering addiction, financial ruin, and crime. He criticized the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn, for pursuing a policy not included in its election manifesto and called on coalition partners to reconsider the legislation.
The protest follows a series of similar demonstrations, including one on March 2, 2025, when anti-gambling groups set up a stage at the same location to oppose the bill. Thailand’s strict anti-gambling laws, rooted in the Gambling Act of 1935, have historically limited legal gambling to state-controlled horse racing and lotteries, reflecting cultural values that view gambling as morally and socially harmful. Despite this, underground gambling persists, and the government has periodically explored legalization to tap into potential economic benefits, only to face public backlash.
Supporters of the bill, including former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, argue that regulated gambling could protect the public, generate revenue, and attract tourists, projecting record visitor numbers in coming years.
While the government remains committed to advancing the bill, the public outcry suggests a contentious path ahead, potentially leading to further protests or legal challenges as Thailand grapples with balancing economic growth and cultural values.
Photo credit Thai rath.
