Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to developing casino resorts as part of larger entertainment complexes, insisting the initiative will follow strict rules to uphold responsible gambling. Speaking during her monthly “Empowering Thais” broadcast, Paetongtarn emphasized that these projects would not contribute to moral decline but instead help position Thailand as a competitive destination in global tourism.

Background checks and wealth criteria for visitors:

Central to the prime minister’s plan is a regulatory framework aimed at mitigating potential harms from legalized gambling. The proposed criteria include criminal record checks and verification of wealth for international visitors. “The profiles of visitors from all countries could be checked, including criminal records, and they must have enough wealth to meet criteria,” Paetongtarn stated.

Her comments come amid mounting scrutiny from opponents who argue that legalized casinos could foster vice and addiction. The prime minister rejected such claims, insisting that the goal was to ensure responsible operations. “Entertainment complexes will not lead Thailand to its worst vices,” she declared. “Developed countries like Singapore, the US, Japan and the UAE follow this global trend… We don’t want Thailand to miss the trend.”

Paetongtarn made it clear that casinos will comprise only one aspect of expansive entertainment hubs that include concert venues, hotels, and other tourism infrastructure. She argued that these developments are essential for combating seasonality in Thailand’s tourism sector. “With entertainment complexes, there will not be a low season in Thailand,” she said.

According to the prime minister, the model for these developments will draw from successful frameworks in Singapore and Japan. “We will implement the casino model of Singapore, as Japan and the United Arab Emirates did,” she said. She reiterated that funding would come from private sector investors rather than public funds, ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened. “The investment will enable the government to collect more taxes… Tax will be collected from casino visitors,” she added.

Political pushback and delays:

Despite Paetongtarn’s assurances, opposition remains strong. Critics accuse her of using the entertainment complex initiative as a political tool and spreading misleading information about its benefits. Tensions have also surfaced within the governing coalition. Notably, Bhumjaithai Party’s secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob publicly opposed the bill, sparking speculation over internal divisions.

In response to growing controversy, the government has postponed parliamentary debate on the Entertainment Complex Bill until the next legislative session, beginning July 2. Officially, the delay is attributed to more urgent issues such as the country’s response to U.S. tariffs and recent earthquake damage, though many observers believe waning support influenced the move.

According to The Bangkok Post, the prime minister has framed the push for entertainment complexes as a necessary step to keep pace with regional competitors. Highlighting Japan’s plans to transform the Osaka Expo 2025 site into an integrated resort within five years, she warned that traditional tourism alone—centered around beaches and nature—was no longer sufficient to drive growth.

Paetongtarn’s long-term aim is to establish Thailand as a premium destination that balances entertainment with regulation, avoiding pitfalls that might tarnish the country’s image. As she put it, “We don’t want Thailand to lag behind anymore.”