A Senate committee has called on Thailand’s government to withdraw its controversial casino-entertainment complex bill, citing potential constitutional violations and questioning its economic benefits, according to Bangkok Post.
The move comes after the government postponed the first reading of the bill, which was initially scheduled for July 9th. According to the latest update, the Pheu Thai-led government has now pushed the bill to the bottom of the legislative agenda for the July 3rd parliamentary session.
Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, who chairs the reviewing panel, announced on Thursday that the legislation potentially breaches multiple sections of the 2017 Constitution, including Sections 3, 58, 63, and 65. The committee reached these conclusions after conducting a comprehensive two-month study of the proposed bill.
The primary constitutional concern stems from the government’s initial framing of the proposal as an entertainment complex bill without explicitly disclosing casino plans from the outset. Senator Veerapun warned that this approach could be deemed contrary to national strategy and might prompt a petition to the Constitutional Court, potentially resulting in a ruling against the legislation.
Economic concerns challenge government projections
The Senate panel questioned the government’s economic rationale, finding insufficient evidence to support claims that legalised casinos would significantly boost Thailand’s gross domestic product. The National Economic and Social Development Council reinforced these concerns, informing the committee that global trends show declining casino revenues, which suggests unfavorable timing for Thailand’s entry into this sector.
Senator Veerapun further undermined the government’s financial projections by pointing out that casino profits predominantly benefit private investors rather than generating substantial state revenue. This reality casts serious doubt on the government’s anticipated tax income from the proposed legislation.
However, industry analysis presents a different perspective. A study by Maybank Securities conducted in April 2024 estimated that Thai entertainment complexes with casino facilities could generate approximately THB187 billion ($5.14 billion) in annual revenue, representing roughly one percent of Thailand’s GDP. The investment bank acknowledged that these projections are based on gaming analyst forecasts and Thailand’s 2019 tourist arrival figures.
Political opposition mounts
Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, cited the casino policy as a key factor in his party’s withdrawal from the coalition government. He questioned whether legalising casinos would genuinely benefit ordinary Thais, arguing that such establishments concentrate wealth among a few investors while triggering social problems including crime and family issues.
Despite growing criticism, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat maintains the government will secure sufficient support to pass the legislation when appropriate.
Senator Veerapun emphasised that merely deferring the debate is insufficient, reiterating his call for complete withdrawal of the controversial legislation.
