Calls for Thailand PM's resignation grow; casino bill debate delay
Public calls for the resignation of Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra have intensified following a large weekend protest at Victory Monument in Bangkok, sparked by a leaked phone call between the Prime Minister and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. According to a Bangkok Post report, the United Power of the Land to Protect Sovereignty led the demonstrators. They argue that Paetongtarn’s remarks in the call undermined national sovereignty, particularly about a recent border clash that left one Cambodian soldier dead.
The group is demanding not only the Prime Minister’s resignation but also the withdrawal of all coalition parties from the government. Protesters have also voiced opposition to several government policies, including the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, which would allow casinos in the country, the Land Bridge megaproject, and a proposed 99-year land lease to foreigners. The movement is also advocating for a new constitution drafted by citizens rather than one drafted by a state-appointed assembly.
The report said that the protest group has denied accusations that it is advocating for a military coup. While some leaders, including Sondhi Limthongkul, expressed openness to military intervention if it occurs, the group has broadly emphasised its civilian-led reform agenda.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok to demand the resignation of Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following a border dispute with Cambodia pic.twitter.com/UxLf5RNY9k
— Tefara prosperous 🇮🇷 🇷🇺 (@am_tefara) June 29, 2025
Casino bill postponed for further review
The proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, initially scheduled for debate in the House on July 3, has been postponed by approximately a month. According to the Bangkok Post, the Pheu Thai Party stated that the delay was intended to facilitate additional consultations and policy reviews. The bill, which includes the legalisation of casino operations as part of tourism-driven development, has attracted controversy from both the public and lawmakers.
The Pheu Thai Party has said it is working with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to ensure safeguards are in place to prevent gambling addiction and illicit financial activity. International examples, such as Macau and Singapore, are being studied for regulatory guidance.
Despite these efforts, public criticism has focused on access restrictions within the bill. Provisions that limit casino access to Thai nationals with at least 50 million baht ($1.3 million) in their accounts have drawn concern that it would fail to deter illegal gambling and instead favour a small wealthy minority.
Senate panel raises legal and economic concerns
Last Friday, the Senate committee reviewing the bill recommended that the government withdraw it entirely. The panel noted that the draft legislation fails to explicitly mention casinos at the outset, which raises questions about its constitutional validity. The committee said the omission may contravene national strategic principles and could be challenged in the Constitutional Court.
Coalition instability clouds bill’s future
The bill’s postponement follows growing instability within the ruling coalition. Bhumjaithai Party’s recent withdrawal has weakened the government’s parliamentary position. The party’s departure was linked to dissatisfaction with the casino proposal and the leaked phone call, which it claimed compromised national interests.
Although the Pheu Thai Party maintains that some Bhumjaithai MPs support the bill, the reduced majority raises questions about whether the legislation can pass when Parliament resumes.
Border tensions add to political pressure
The political crisis has been compounded by disruptions at the Thai-Cambodian border. Stricter controls were introduced after the leaked call, further straining diplomatic ties and affecting regional commerce. Casino operators in border towns, such as Donaco International in Poipet, have reported downturns in business due to reduced Thai patronage.
