Thai Senate panel calls for withdrawal of Entertainment Complex Bill
A Senate committee has recommended that the Thai government withdraw the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, citing concerns that the draft legislation may violate several sections of the 2017 Constitution. According to a report by the Bangkok Post, the committee, chaired by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, concluded a two-month review, highlighting that the bill lacks transparency, particularly in failing to mention casinos from the outset explicitly. The omission could be interpreted as contradicting national strategic principles and may face a Constitutional Court challenge.
The committee also questioned the economic viability of legalised casinos. The panel cited an advice from the National Economic and Social Development Council. The council warned that global casino revenues have been declining which suggests that there may be limited fiscal benefit from entering the sector now. The panel also noted that profits in international casino markets tend to favour private operators over the state, casting doubt on the government’s revenue projections.
Concerns about social impact and limited public access
On the social front, the bill has come under fire for proposing strict eligibility criteria for Thai nationals which limits casino access to individuals with at least 50 million baht (€1.3 million) in their bank accounts. According to a local media report, the Senate panel argued that such thresholds would likely exclude current underground gamblers which will then reduce the bill’s effectiveness in curbing illegal betting. With only around 10,000 people expected to qualify, concerns have grown over whether the legislation would address social issues or exacerbate them.
Coalition fractures deepen political uncertainty
This development comes after the political landscape in the Southeast Asian country has further complicated the bill’s prospects. Last week, the Bhumjaithai Party’s withdrawal from the ruling coalition. This resulted to a reduced majority for the government, casting doubt on the bill’s passage when Parliament reconvenes on 3 July. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul stated that the party could not support a policy that, in its view, benefits a few at the expense of the broader society. He cited the proposal as one of the reasons for the party’s departure.
Border tensions
Compounding the issue is a recent diplomatic controversy involving a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The call, which included criticism of a Thai general following a fatal border clash, has led to tighter controls along the Thai-Cambodian border, disrupting regional trade and tourism. Operators such as Donaco International, which operates a casino resort in Poipet, have reported downturns due to a decline in Thai visitors.
