Senate shoots down casino bill
Panel flags high costs, low gains
by Aekarach Sattaburuth
September 24, 2025
The Senate has formally rejected the government's draft bill proposing the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes that include casinos, citing serious concerns over social impact, economic disruption and national security.
The controversial bill, introduced by the administration of former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was reviewed by a special Senate committee chaired by Senator Dr Veerapun Suvannamai.
The committee's report, presented during a session led by Deputy Senate President Gen Kriengkrai Srirak, concluded that the proposed legislation could lead to long-term harm, including increased vulnerability to money laundering and an erosion of public trust.
The committee urged that any future attempt to legalise casinos must involve public participation through a national referendum.
Senator Sornchat Vichaya Suwannaprom, vice chair of the committee, proposed the formation of a new study group so alternative models can be explored.
These include building entertainment complexes without casinos, limited-access casino zones with strict controls, and regulated online gambling platforms.
He cited international examples such as Sydney, Australia, where casino access is restricted to registered tourists, as a potential model for Thailand.
Senator Chinachot Saengsang delivered a scathing critique, accusing the bill of misleading the public by disguising its true intent.
"The casino is not a side feature -- it's the core of the proposal," he said. "If the new government includes casino legalisation in its policy platform, it risks undermining public confidence and long-term governance."
The Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party-led administration has not yet delivered its policy statement to parliament.
Senator Sitthikorn Thongyos echoed these concerns, warning that recent government initiatives -- such as reclassifying poker and promoting retirement lotteries -- have normalised gambling behaviour.
He argued that these trends could pave the way for full-scale casino legalisation and urged the incoming administration to withdraw the bill completely.
Dr Veerapun clarified that with parliament set to be dissolved in four months -- as a result of a memorandum of agreement inked between BJT and the main opposition in exchange for the latter's support in forming a government -- any political party intending to legalise casinos should declare it openly during their campaign, rather than conceal it under broader entertainment policy.
The Veerapun committee last week opposed the current version of the casino-entertainment complex bill, warning of grave constitutional, economic and social consequences if the project moves forward.
The committee report concluded that the draft law, championed by the Paetongtarn administration, argued that the casino-based entertainment complexes would yield little real economic value, as revenue largely transfers from losers to winners rather than generating new wealth, while infrastructure costs and state burden would be high.
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