Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has vigorously defended the Entertainment Complex bill as a necessary economic measure in response to escalating US tariffs on Thai goods.
The bill, scheduled for parliamentary debate on April 9th, has become a focal point of tension between government officials and opposition groups amid Thailand’s challenging trade environment.
According to a report by the Bangkok Post, Phumtham emphasized that the bill—which includes provisions for casino operations within integrated entertainment complexes—aims to generate substantial revenue to help offset the 36 percent US tariff hike on Thai exports, which is significantly higher than Singapore’s 10 percent rate.
“This isn’t about encouraging gambling—it’s about economic survival,” he stated, framing the legislation as a financial resilience strategy rather than a promotion of gambling.
The Deputy Prime Minister cited results from the government’s online public hearing held between February 28th and March 14th, noting that approximately 80 percent of the more than 70,000 participants supported the bill. He insisted that while opposition voices are important, the bill’s fate should be determined through democratic processes in parliament rather than street protests.
Government officials project the casino-entertainment complexes could inject billions into Thailand’s economy, potentially offsetting losses from the US trade measures. Strict entry regulations, including age and income restrictions, would be implemented to mitigate concerns about gambling addiction, according to proponents.
Meanwhile, the Senate is preparing its response, with plans to establish a committee to study the impacts of the proposed projects after the House examination. Senate spokesman Pisit Apiwattanapong revealed that senators remain divided on the issue, with most opposing the policy and advocating for a public referendum before proceeding.
Opposition to the bill continues to mount both inside and outside parliament. Thanakorn Kromkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, submitted a petition against the legislation to House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha and opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. Thanakorn characterized the casino policy as irresponsible, arguing it wasn’t included in any election campaign and lacks comprehensive study.
The People’s Party leader urged the government to address public concerns, warning that the bill might not solve the intended problems and could primarily benefit select groups. Former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan called for protests outside parliament, criticizing the government for prioritizing the bill while earthquake recovery efforts were ongoing.
Adding to the opposition, Chittawan Chanagul from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Economics announced plans to petition for an ethics investigation into Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra regarding the bill.
The timing of the parliamentary debate became another point of contention, with rumors suggesting the House examination might be moved to Thursday instead of April 9th. Chief government whip Wisut Chainarun clarified that Thursday’s meeting would focus on the recent earthquake, with the casino bill remaining on the April 9th agenda.
