Thailand Delays Casino Legalization Bill Debate Citing Urgent National Priorities

^{Pictured: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand}

Thailand’s push to legalize casino resorts has hit another delay, as the government postpones parliamentary debate to focus on more pressing national issues.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra confirmed that the Bill had been delayed but not withdrawn.

After meeting with leaders of coalition parties, she stated that more urgent national issues, such as the aftermath of a recent earthquake and the impact of new tariffs imposed by the United States, needed to be prioritized. She assured that the bill would be reintroduced in the next parliamentary session.

The proposed legislation seeks to introduce large-scale entertainment complexes with tightly regulated casino spaces, capped at 10% of the total area. Thai citizens would face steep entry barriers, including a requirement to deposit at least THB50 million (US$1.47 million) before gaining access to casino floors.

Supporters, particularly within the ruling Pheu Thai Party, argue that the bill could drive tourism and job creation, but resistance is mounting. Protesters dressed in white have gathered outside Government House in opposition, while a bloc of senators has vowed to symbolically cross their arms in protest when the bill resurfaces.

The delay comes as Thailand continues debating strict casino entry rules, with recent discussions suggesting access may be limited to millionaire citizens only.