Thailand’s government will withdraw its proposed Entertainment Complex Bill from the current parliamentary session following growing public opposition and escalating political instability. According to a Bloomberg report, the move follows the Bhumjaithai Party, a major coalition partner, leaving the ruling bloc, and the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over alleged ethical misconduct.
The bill had been expected to be a legislative priority after parliament reconvened last week. However, speaking with local reporters, Chief Government Whip Visuth Chainaroo stated that the government now plans to submit a motion to withdraw the measure on Wednesday, opting instead to focus on an amnesty bill. Without Bhumjaithai’s support, the report said the coalition had lost its clear majority in the House of Representatives, casting doubt on its ability to pass contentious legislation in the coming months.
Senate panel questions transparency of casino plans
A Senate committee earlier raised multiple concerns about the bill’s legal and financial provisions. Among the issues flagged were the selection process for Klong Toey Port as a development site, the criteria for issuing casino licences, and whether the bill implies approval for five separate casinos.
The committee also questioned whether the legislation’s land use clauses might breach existing expropriation laws and whether the economic model relies too heavily on projected casino revenues. Lawmakers and civil society groups in Thailand have urged the government to clarify the financial structure and regulatory framework before reconsidering the proposal.
PM’s suspension adds to uncertainty
Political tension escalated in the Southeast Asian country after the Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn. The court is reviewing accusations that she violated ethical standards after a leaked phone call revealed her criticism of the Thai military during a discussion with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
Her suspension has left a leadership vacuum, with Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul expected to assume temporary responsibilities. The government now faces the possibility of a no-confidence motion and further internal division.
Casino controls and public opposition
The Entertainment Complex Bill aimed to legalise casinos under strict conditions, limiting gambling areas to 10 percent of any designated complex. Casinos would be physically separated from other facilities and subject to controlled access through national IDs or passports.
A controversial clause required Thai nationals to hold at least 50 million baht (€1.3 million) in savings to enter casinos. Critics argued the rule was elitist and failed to address broader concerns about problem gambling and illegal operations.
Last week, The Stop Gambling Foundation, joined by public health and community leaders, submitted a petition to the Prime Minister’s Office urging the government to reconsider the proposals. The group raised concerns over the long-term social impact of legalised gambling, including increased household debt and domestic violence in low-income communities.
