Thai Prime Minister defends casino initiative, proposes criminal and asset vetting for foreign visitors

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has indicated that international visitors to any future legal casinos in the country may be subject to detailed screening measures, including criminal background and wealth checks

The Prime Minister made the comments during her weekly "Empowering Thais" program, reiterating her administration’s commitment to advancing the bill despite political resistance. While stating the importance of regulation, she also argued that Thailand must adapt to global tourism trends in order to remain competitive.

“I don’t want to see Thailand lag behind anymore,” she said, defending the bill against critics who argue it promotes immoral behavior.

“Entertainment complexes will not lead Thailand to its worst vices. Developed countries like Singapore, the US, Japan and the UAE follow this global trend. They know that sand, sun, sea are not enough any longer. There must be manmade [attractions]. We don’t want Thailand to miss the trend.”

Paetongtarn added that the entertainment complexes would include casinos as a minor component, with the bulk of the investment coming from private sector partners, not the government.

She noted that the initiative would also boost state revenues through taxation. “The investment will enable the government to collect more taxes. Tax will be collected from casino visitors,” she said.

Despite her firm stance, the Prime Minister’s casino proposal has sparked backlash from anti-gambling groups and caused friction within the governing coalition. The government recently deferred parliamentary debate on the bill until at least the next legislative session beginning 2 July, officially citing priorities such as responding to U.S. tariffs and earthquake recovery efforts.

However, political observers believe growing opposition to the bill may have influenced the delay.

The proposal has also strained ties between coalition partners Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, particularly after Bhumjaithai’s secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob publicly withdrew support. Nevertheless, leaders from both parties have since stated that their alliance remains intact.