A political firestorm engulfing Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s government is now threatening to derail one of her administration’s most ambitious economic initiatives: the passage of a bill to legalize entertainment complexes with casinos.
The legislation, aimed at transforming Thailand into a regional tourism and entertainment hub, is facing growing uncertainty as the ruling coalition teeters on the brink of collapse following the leak of a controversial phone call between Paetongtarn and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The fallout from the call — in which the 38-year-old premier referred to Hun Sen as “uncle” and appeared to disparage a senior Thai military commander — has prompted the powerful Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw from the coalition.
With the government now holding only a slim majority and other partners reconsidering their support, the legislative calendar has been thrown into question.
The casino bill, which government officials have vowed to pass within the current administration’s term ending in 2027, may become a casualty of the widening political crisis.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat and Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister Suksit Srichomkwan had led a press briefing just some weeks ago, outlining the economic potential of the “Thailand Entertainment Complex” project. The draft law was set to be deliberated in Parliament next month.
Amornvivat emphasized the initiative as a key engine of growth, projecting up to THB39.25 billion ($1.15 billion) in annual revenue and a 10 percent boost in foreign tourist arrivals. The government also touted the infrastructure improvements and job creation linked to the development of large-scale venues modeled after international resorts like Disneyland and Universal Studios.
However, with Paetongtarn under intense pressure to resign and rumors of a military coup resurfacing, analysts warn the bill’s passage is at serious risk.
“The government had built momentum behind this legislation, but its survival now directly depends on whether the coalition holds”, said one Bangkok-based political analyst to AFP. “If more parties pull out, we’re looking at either a snap election or a new government — both of which would delay or derail the casino plan.”
The Shinawatra administration had sought to tightly regulate the industry, requiring steep financial thresholds for Thai citizens and implementing anti-money laundering safeguards. But the political upheaval may embolden conservative factions — many of whom oppose the gambling liberalization — to block or heavily amend the bill.
The entertainment complex proposal has been framed by Pheu Thai as part of a broader strategy to revitalize Thailand’s sluggish economy. But as anti-government protests grow and coalition parties waver, its future now hinges on the resolution of a deepening leadership crisis.
If Paetongtarn is ousted or forced to dissolve Parliament, the legislation could be indefinitely postponed — leaving Thailand’s long-sought vision of casino-driven tourism reform in limbo.
