China’s President Xi Jinping has expressed concerns over Thailand’s plan to legalize casinos, according to Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

The official confirmation came during a press conference at the Government House on Tuesday, as reported by the Bangkok Post. Paetongtarn mentioned that Xi had cautioned that legalizing casinos could lead to various social problems.

This marks the first time that China’s top official has commented on Thailand’s plans to legalize casinos.

During her visit to China last week, Paetongtarn met with President Xi to discuss the government’s proposed casino-entertainment complex—a project that could significantly reshape Thailand’s tourism landscape. Paetongtarn mentioned that Xi sought more information about the project during the meeting. 

Xi’s input is significant not only because of China’s longstanding influence on regional tourism but also due to its strict policies on gambling. The country has consistently cracked down on illegal gambling operations, including cross-border gaming activities. Currently, Macau is the only region in China where casinos are legal, and it remains a critical hub for Chinese gamblers.

Xi’s comment carries substantial weight, particularly as Chinese tourists have long been one of the largest sources of visitors to Thailand. With the Thai government now relying on tourism to revive its post-pandemic economy, the proposed casino project is seen as a crucial element in these efforts.

Thailand is expecting a surge in visitors in the coming years, with projections estimating that the country will welcome between 39 and 40 million tourists in 2025, including up to 9 million from China. Given the strong ties between the two countries, the issue of casino legalization is particularly sensitive.

Currently, China and Thailand have a visa-free agreement, allowing Chinese tourists to visit Thailand freely.

During the meeting, Paetongtarn defended the casino plan, emphasizing that Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex, which would feature a casino occupying less than 10 percent of its total area, has generated significant attention both domestically and abroad.

Family-friendly destination

Prime Minister Paetongtarn also clarified that the entertainment complex would not be focused on gambling. Instead, it would be a family-friendly destination offering a variety of entertainment and leisure options, aiming to attract international tourists while providing employment opportunities and benefiting local communities.

The Thai government has argued that legalizing casinos within special economic zones could help curb the influence of illegal gambling dens that already operate in the country. These underground establishments, which contribute nothing to public welfare, could be replaced by properly regulated casinos that would generate tax revenue for national development, including education and infrastructure.

However, despite the potential benefits and Xi’s warning about social problems, Paetongtarn assured Xi that the government would carefully consider these risks, taking China’s perspective into account.

She emphasized that further studies were underway to evaluate the full impact of the project before it moves forward. This cautious approach reflects Thailand’s desire to balance the economic benefits of legalized gambling with the social and political risks associated with it.

Thailand’s cabinet approved a bill in principle on January 13th, which would pave the way for the establishment of such complexes. The government has given the Council of State, its legal body, 50 days to review the bill before it is sent to the House for further deliberation.

According to local media outlets, Pakorn Nilprapunt, the Council’s secretary-general, stated on Tuesday that revisions to the bill are expected to be completed by early next month, with the deadline set for March 6th. He noted that the revised version differs from the original, though the key points remain unchanged.