China and Thailand have agreed to step up joint efforts against cross-border online gambling and telecom fraud, in line with the Thai government’s broader opposition to using casinos as an economic driver.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul discussed the issue during a meeting in Shanghai on July 17th, according to Xinhua.
Xi said stronger action against cross-border crime was needed to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation and travel. Anutin said Thailand was prepared to work with China to combat online gambling and telecom fraud.
The pledge follows years of Chinese pressure on Southeast Asian countries to curb gambling operations targeting mainland citizens. Beijing has also linked illegal online gambling to money laundering, telecom fraud and regional scam networks.
China had separately raised concerns over Thailand’s former casino legalization plan. In February 2025, Xi warned that the proposal could lead to social problems.
The latest commitment also aligns with Anutin’s stance against casino legalization. During an earlier meeting with Xi in October 2025, the Thai leader said his government would neither legalize casinos nor use gambling to stimulate economic growth.
Thailand’s previous government approved an Entertainment Complex Bill in January 2025 that would have allowed casinos within large integrated resorts. The cabinet withdrew the proposal in July of that year following political turmoil and public opposition.
