Thailand’s controversial casino-entertainment complex bill faces significant obstacles and is unlikely to pass parliament despite government efforts, according to reports.
The Pheu Thai-led government recently backed away from attempts to fast-track the bill following strong opposition from various sectors. Consideration of the legislation has been postponed until the next parliamentary session, starting July 2nd. However, experts cited by the Bangkok Post suggest that the delay signals deeper issues for the proposal.
The bill encountered a major setback when Chaichanok Chidchob, secretary-general of coalition partner Bhumjaithai Party, publicly opposed it in parliament. In response, Interior Minister and Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul sought to downplay reports of tensions within both the party and the broader coalition government.
Political analyst Stithorn Thananithichot, of King Prajadhipok’s Institute, told the publication that the government cannot keep postponing deliberation indefinitely. He emphasized that a referendum would be the only viable solution if the government wishes to proceed amid ongoing opposition.
Critics have raised concerns about the potential negative impacts of legal casinos and questioned whether the bill might violate Thailand’s constitution. Some opponents have even threatened protests that could destabilize the government if the measure moves forward.
The bill’s prospects appear particularly dim given Bhumjaithai’s strong support base in Buri Ram province and its rumored close ties with many senators. With the 200-member Senate believed to contain many Bhumjaithai sympathizers, securing enough votes is seen as increasingly challenging.
Thepthai Senpong, a former Democrat MP, noted that opposition to the project cuts across political lines. He explained that concerns center largely on moral and ethical issues, leading diverse groups to join anti-casino protests. Even typically apolitical organizations, such as the Academy of Moral and Political Science at the Royal Society of Thailand and the Catholic Education Council, have voiced their opposition.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has stressed that the government has not withdrawn the bill completely but will continue gathering public input. A special Senate committee has been set up to study the issue, with its evaluation expected to take 180 days.
Stithorn suggested that without a referendum, it is unlikely the entertainment complex project will materialize during the government’s remaining two years in office. He believes Pheu Thai understands that pressing forward could provoke strong resistance and potentially threaten the government’s survival.
Thepthai predicted that Pheu Thai might instead include the casino project in its manifesto for the next election, addressing criticism that it was not part of the party’s 2023 campaign pledges.
However, not all analysts share this outlook. Olarn Thinbangtieo, a political science lecturer at Burapha University, believes the bill will eventually pass. He argues that Pheu Thai can negotiate with coalition partners who are reluctant to break away from the government. Even if the bill’s passage led to an early end of the government’s term, Olarn suggested Pheu Thai could rely on handout pledges to regain voter support in future elections, notes the publication.
