Thailand Casino Bill Folded, Attractive Market Opportunity Remains on Hold

Thailand’s casino bill has been ditched.

The Entertainment Complex Bill sought to legalize five casinos,
but the government has decided not to move forward with the legislation.

Thailand won’t become home to legal casinos anytime soon after the government announced it would fold on legislation to authorize slot machines and live-dealer table games.

On Monday, Pheu Thai MP Visuth Chainaroon, who is the controlling party’s government whip in the House of Representatives, conceded that the Entertainment Complex Bill is being put aside.
The revelation comes as the government is in turmoil following Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra being suspended from her duties as an ethics probe into her June 15 telephone call with a Cambodian official plays out.

Shinawatra’s controversial remarks regarding the Thai military prompted the Bhumjaithai Party to sever ties with the government.
The party’s exit reduced the Pheu Thai government’s majority by 69 seats in the 500-person chamber.

The opposition, led by the People’s Party and now Bhumjaithai, has aligned with public polling that suggests the liberalization of casino gambling isn’t wanted.

We’re not pulling it out of fear or anything,” Visuth claimed in remarks to reporters,
as first reported by Reuters. \