Thailand’s newly elected prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has made it clear that on line casino growth and gambling-driven progress is not going to occur beneath his management. Speaking to reporters this week, he mentioned Thailand would want to “wait for another prime minister” if legalisation of casinos had been ever to be thought of as a instrument to spice up the economic system.
Anutin, chief of the Bhumjaithai Party, took workplace on September 5 following a parliamentary vote that ended weeks of political uncertainty. He changed Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was eliminated by the Constitutional Court for ethics violations. His swearing-in on September 8 marked him because the nation’s thirty second prime minister, however his administration already faces challenges, together with a fragile coalition and rising public requires a recent election.
Casino Bill Shelved Again
The Entertainment Complex Bill, which envisioned large-scale resorts with casinos, had been championed by Anutin’s predecessors, Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as a strategy to strengthen tourism and appeal to overseas buyers. In early July, nonetheless, lawmakers withdrew the proposal from the House of Representatives after Paetongtarn’s suspension. With Anutin now in cost, any revival of the measure seems firmly off the desk.
Anutin has persistently opposed the invoice, claiming it hurts Thailand’s important relationship with China. He pointed to warnings from Beijing, together with President Xi Jinping himself, that on line casino growth may encourage crime and set off restrictive measures on Chinese journey and funding. According to Anutin, “The severe consequence is the absence of about 90% of Chinese visitors, which has caused great damage to tourism-related operators.”
Nation Thailand reported that arrivals from China dropped 34 p.c within the first half of 2025, whereas general overseas guests declined by 7 p.c. The Tourism Authority of Thailand decreased its forecast for the 12 months from 37 million to 33 million guests, in contrast with a document 40 million in 2019. TAT officers, nonetheless, emphasised that a number of components contributed to the decline, together with a lethal earthquake in April and wider international financial headwinds.
Political Instability Fuels Investor Concerns
The latest turbulence on the prime of presidency has amplified uncertainty for companies and buyers. Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, chairman of the Thai National Shippers’ Council, warned that “uncertainties during a political vacuum create a wait-and-see climate for both investment and consumption.” He added that extended instability dangers slowing financial progress and deterring new funding alternatives.
Tourism specialists share these issues. Bill Barnett, managing director of Phuket-based consultancy C9Hotelworks, informed the Bangkok Post that earlier optimism for the sector has given strategy to warning. “Three or four months ago, we were optimistic about the end of the year, but now we are not. We are losing momentum. It’s worrisome,” he mentioned.
Anutin’s premiership itself is on unsteady floor. His minority authorities, supported in parliament by the opposition People’s Party, reportedly agreed to carry recent elections inside 4 months. A latest ballot by the National Institute of Development Administration discovered that just about 60 p.c of voters need parliament dissolved as shortly as doable, underscoring widespread impatience with political instability.
Gambling Reforms Beyond Casinos
Although on line casino plans have been dominated out, debate over playing in Thailand just isn’t completed. Earlier this 12 months, the Sports Authority of Thailand officially recognised poker as a sport, opening the door for formal tournaments. The Ministry of Interior additionally revoked a 1958 regulation that banned card video games like poker from being included in playing permits.
These reforms occurred when Phumtham Wechayachai, deputy chief of the Pheu Thai Party, was appearing prime minister. Yet Anutin has distanced himself from the developments, saying he opposed the reclassification of poker when he was inside minister. His stance means that whereas poker could acquire some legitimacy, broader playing legalisation is unlikely to maneuver ahead throughout his time in workplace.
Sources:
Thailand’s new PM Anutin opposes gambling as a means to boost economy, ggrasia.com, September 11, 2025.
