Clear Stance Against Legalization
Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has firmly ruled out the legalization of casinos during his administration. This marks the first time he has clarified his position since officially taking office on September 5.
Speaking to local media, Anutin emphasized that gambling would not serve as a tool to boost the economy. He said, “If someone says gambling can stimulate the economy, I’d say wait for another prime minister. Don’t wait for me, as I don’t agree with this approach.” He added that even during his tenure as interior minister, he opposed poker, although the game was later permitted once he left office. According to Anutin, Thailand must instead focus on bringing “righteousness and justice” back to the nation.
Reversal of Shinawatra’s Casino Push
Anutin replaced former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, whose coalition had strongly backed casino legalization as part of an entertainment complex strategy. That plan collapsed in July, when the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to withdraw the Entertainment Complex Bill, a flagship policy of Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party.
The shift in leadership has effectively shelved a vision that once targeted $42 billion in integrated resort investments. Instead, Anutin has hinted that existing reforms, including poker’s recognition as a sport, could be rolled back. He suggested that his government may review poker’s current legal status, potentially undoing policy changes introduced just two months ago when the Sports Authority of Thailand approved its classification as a sport.
Concerns Over Chinese Tourism
Anutin has consistently criticized casino legalization, often citing risks to tourism and international relations. In July, he warned that building casinos could cause a 90% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals. According to him, Beijing strongly opposed Thailand’s casino plans and had even issued warnings through President Xi Jinping. Anutin claimed that ignoring these warnings could have jeopardized Thailand’s trade, investment, and visitor flows from China.
Looking Ahead
With Anutin in power, Thailand is unlikely to pursue casinos or gambling-related reforms in the near future. His government appears set to distance itself from the Shinawatra administration’s policies, instead prioritizing social stability and traditional values over controversial economic experiments.
