Casino bill debate in Thailand draws opposition from advocacy groups and lawmakers

A coalition of civic organizations and Thailand’s opposition People’s Party (PP) is urging the government to withdraw two bills aimed at legalizing land-based and online casino gambling. The call comes as the House prepares to reconvene on July 9, with the legislation potentially being debated that day.

Protesters led by Thanakorn Khomkrit, secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, gathered outside the Government House on Wednesday to submit a petition to suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The petition was received by Sompas Nilphan, an adviser from the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.

According to The Bangkok Post, Thanakorn stated that the two bills — the Entertainment Complex Bill and an accompanying online gambling amendment — could "fuel social division and distract from more urgent issues" such as the economy, environmental crises, and political instability.

“If these policies are truly important, Pheu Thai should propose them as part of their platform in the next election and let the public decide,” Thanakorn said.

Thanakorn withdrew from the Thailand Entertainment Complex Roundtable last month, where he was scheduled to engage in policy discussion with representatives from Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts, and Wynn Resorts.

Concerns on social impact and oversight

Civic leaders raised further concerns about a perceived lack of regulatory safeguards in the proposed framework. Public health advocate Vasin Pipattanachat questioned the management structure of casino complexes, citing the absence of mechanisms for accountability and community harm reduction.

Naiyana Yonjorhor, a community leader, warned that legalized gambling could worsen household debt and domestic violence in low-income areas.

“Most gamblers are heads of households. When addiction takes hold, the entire family suffers,” she said.

Opposition questions legislative priorities

PP MP and spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu echoed criticisms of the government's perceived prioritization of casino legislation over other national concerns. “If the government sincerely considered the concerns raised by opposition parties and segments of the public, it should withdraw the bill,” Parit said.

Parit also noted that the current political climate has complicated the legislative process. Since the cabinet failed to pass a resolution to remove the bill from the agenda earlier this week, it remains scheduled as the first item for debate when Parliament reconvenes, reports The Bangkok Post.