Thailand casino bill Approved by Cabinet

Thailand’s cabinet members have passed the country’s Entertainment Complex Bill, which includes a millionaire clause for local gamblers. This legislation, approved on 27 March 2025, now heads to parliament for consideration. The bill, which would legalize casino resorts in Thailand, has been the subject of lengthy debate and numerous street protests. However, in a recent public comment period, 80% of residents who responded expressed their support for the proposal. Thailand casino bill

The casino industry is anticipated to attract billions in international investment, boost tourism, and create tens of thousands of new jobs. Additionally, it promises to generate an estimated 39.4 billion baht (£894 million/€1 billion/$1.16 billion) in fresh tax revenue for the government. For the legislation to be fully approved, it must also receive the consent of the parliament, the senate, and the monarch, Maha Vajiralongkorn. Four tourism hotspots have been selected to potentially host these entertainment complexes: Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chonburi, and the capital city of Bangkok.

However, the millionaire clause included in the draft could inhibit investment. The bill, as currently drafted, would impose strict limitations on local gambling. Specifically, it would require Thai residents to pay an entry fee of 5,000 baht each time they enter a casino and to show a bank balance of at least 50 million baht. This high financial requirement could deter potential investors. One prospective investor, Genting Singapore, has indicated that it would hesitate to invest in a gaming market heavily reliant on tourists.

According to a 2024 Citi report cited by Channel News Asia, about half of Thai adults are considered potential casino gamblers. This player base could position Thailand to become the world’s third-largest gambling destination, following Macau and Las Vegas. However, the proposed cost of entry for locals may hinder that ambition. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has revealed that only 10,000 Thai bank accounts currently hold 50 million baht. Furthermore, gaming analyst Daniel Cheng noted that limiting access for locals could “render Thai casinos no better than foreigner-only regimes like South Korea’s.” Despite discussions among lawmakers to remove the millionaire’s clause, it remains part of the draft bill heading to parliament.

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Opposition to the proposed industry persists. Approximately 80 protesters convened outside the Thailand Government House in Bangkok on the same day the bill was passed, holding anti-casino signs. Rally organizer Pichit Chaimongkol stated, “The promotion of vices is tantamount to tempting people to take the wrong direction,” arguing that it is “opposite to developing the quality of life to improve people’s well-being.” In response, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub emphasized that the government supports the establishment of entertainment complexes “mainly to stimulate the economy, investment, and tourism.” Thailand casino bill

The bill remains subject to further amendments before it can be enacted into law.