The resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Setthi Thaweesin and the appointment of Phetongtarn Shinawatra as the new head of government have raised concerns among proponents of legalized gambling. Will the new leader continue pushing for the development of integrated resorts, which would include legal casinos, or will this initiative come to a halt?
Currently, only horse racing bets and the state lottery are legal in Thailand, but illegal gambling is widespread. Thaweesin had aimed to tackle this by creating a highly regulated legal market. However, his efforts faced strong opposition, leaving many to wonder whether the new prime minister would continue along the same path.
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Despite Phetongtarn’s silence on the matter, there is some cause for optimism among gamblers. Her father, former prime minister and billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, has already laid out a 14-point plan for the country’s economic development. In terms of gambling, Thaksin supports Thaweesin’s vision of legalization, but with strict controls. According to his plan, casinos should occupy only 10% of the total area within integrated resorts, which would also feature galleries, concert halls, and other entertainment venues. Thaksin estimates that such complexes could attract up to $2.94 billion in investment, particularly in Bangkok. Thaweesin had also proposed regulating the online gambling sector by imposing a 30% tax rate, with the revenue directed toward improving education.
However, political analysts note that Thaksin’s plan has sparked concerns over who will truly lead the country—Phetongtarn or her experienced father. Some critics have gone so far as to label her a puppet of the former prime minister. Still, Phetongtarn has emphasized the importance of revitalizing Thailand’s economy, which has been weakened by the pandemic, and legalizing casinos within integrated resorts seems to be a logical part of that strategy.
According to a government study, these resorts could boost tourism revenues by $12 billion in just the first year. The initial plan predicts five casinos across the country: two in Bangkok, and one each in Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the Eastern Economic Corridor (comprising the provinces of Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong). Currently, a revised bill is being drafted and will soon be discussed with the public. Once finalized, it will go to the Cabinet for approval, followed by consideration from the State Council and the House of Representatives. If you found this publication helpful and interesting, we recommend subscribing to our breaking gambling news to receive notifications about the latest updates and stay informed about current events.
