Thailand Withdraws Casino Legalisation Bill Amid Political Uncertainty

Thailand’s Cabinet has withdrawn a bill to legalise casinos, following the suspension of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin over an ongoing ethics probe.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat clarified that the decision was a temporary delay, not a cancellation, citing political instability and an upcoming Cabinet reshuffle.

The proposed legislation aimed to permit casinos within integrated entertainment complexes, including hotels, malls, convention centres, and theme parks.

The bill had sparked public debate and controversy, with concerns about social impact clashing with potential economic benefits. The government plans to revisit the proposal when the political environment is more stable.