In a recent statement, Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed growing concerns and criticisms surrounding the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, emphasizing that the legislation has been a victim of rampant disinformation by opponents.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, she asserted that some people have wrongly interpreted the bill as an effort to transform Thailand into a sprawling casino destination. She says this couldn’t possibly be further from the truth.
Paetongtarn described these claims as a deliberate political maneuver aimed at distorting the bill’s true meaning and intention, urging the public to look beyond the rhetoric and focus on the government’s broader vision.
The Entertainment Complex Bill, which has been a subject of heated debate since its initial draft approval by the Thai Cabinet in January 2025, seeks to legalize casinos within large-scale, integrated entertainment complexes with tight entry rules, especially for Thai nationals. However, Paetongtarn was quick to clarify that the casino component is only a small fraction of the proposed developments. “The proposed entertainment complex is not meant to legalize casinos nationwide or allow entire cities of casinos like other countries,” she stated, noting that gambling facilities would occupy no more than 10% of the total land area of each entertainment complex. The remaining space would be dedicated to family-friendly attractions such as hotels, shopping malls, amusement parks, convention centers, restaurants, and cultural venues—elements designed to improve Thailand’s tourism industry.
This clarification comes amid mounting opposition from conservative groups, religious groups like we covered here, and political factions who argue that legalizing casinos could lead to social ills, including increased crime and problem gambling. Critics, including members of the opposition People’s Party and various activist groups, have staged protests outside Government House in recent weeks, voicing fears that the bill prioritizes economic gain over social well-being.
Paetongtarn, however, framed the bill as a strategic move to enhance Thailand’s economic prospects while addressing existing challenges. She pointed out that illegal gambling dens already operate across the country, siphoning profits away from the public. By regulating and taxing these activities within controlled environments, the government aims to redirect revenue toward national development projects, such as education and infrastructure. She also said the Thai government spends enormous resources policing illegal gambling, including on a small scale such as individual games of cards, which could be better directed to larger crimes and problems.
“If properly regulated, a legal entertainment complex can generate tax revenue that benefits the public,” she argued, echoing sentiments she shared following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in February 2025, where she expressed openness to learning from China’s experience with its gambling hub, Macau.
The bill’s journey through Thailand’s legislative process has been anything but smooth. After receiving Cabinet approval in March 2025, it faced delays due to public backlash and calls for further review. Initial proposals included stringent entry requirements for Thai nationals, such as a 5,000 baht (approximately US$148) fee per visit and proof of substantial bank deposits, 50 million Baht in a Thai bank for six months, which currently only about 26,000 Thais nationwide would qualify for.
Supporters of the initiative, including tourism operators in regions like Phuket and Bangkok, see it as a game-changer for Thailand’s economy, which has struggled to fully recover from the tourism slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2023 government study projected that entertainment complexes could boost tourism revenue by up to 406.6 billion baht (approximately US$12 billion) in their first year, attracting an additional 5-10% in foreign visitors annually.
Nevertheless, Paetongtarn has stressed that the government is not rushing the process. “I would like all details to be carefully reviewed,” she said.
“Thailand has never had casinos before, so it’s crucial to gather opinions from all stakeholders.” This cautious approach may be an attempt to balance economic ambitions with social concerns, particularly in a Buddhist-majority nation where gambling has long been viewed with skepticism.
One growing suggestion is to hold a national referendum on legalizing casinos, but the Thai government has cautioned that would be expensive and time consuming, but hasn’t ruled it out entirely.
