As Thailand faces a period of political instability, efforts to legalize casinos and online gambling have triggered widespread backlash. Opposition parties and civic groups have unified in demanding the full withdrawal of two controversial bills currently under parliamentary consideration.

Opposition Unites Against Casino Bill and Awaits Court Ruling

As reported by The Nation, during the opening of the new parliamentary session, five opposition parties held a joint meeting and agreed to exert all available legislative pressure to halt the Comprehensive Entertainment Complex Bill. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, stated that the opposition would “use all parliamentary mechanisms” to block the casino-legalising bill and push the government to ensure it is not reintroduced.

The opposition bloc also agreed to advocate for constitutional amendments enabling a public referendum and new elections, and plans to propose a general amnesty for political prisoners. For now, the group has decided to hold off on a censure motion against the government, opting to wait for the Constitutional Court’s ruling on suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Shinawatra was suspended after senators filed a case accusing her of betraying the nation in matters related to Cambodia’s border. A final decision from the court is pending.

Civic Groups and Lawmakers Rally Against Legislation

On July 3, protestors led by Thanakorn Khomkrit of the Stop Gambling Foundation gathered outside Government House, urging that both the casino and online gambling bills be withdrawn. A petition was submitted to an adviser at the Prime Minister’s Office, as Paetongtarn remains suspended from her role but is still head of the Pheu Thai Party.

Thanakorn, who recently withdrew from a national roundtable discussion on entertainment complexes, stated that these policies could “fuel social division and distract from more urgent issues such as the economy, environmental crises, and political instability.” He added, “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.”

Health advocate Vasin Pipattanachat expressed alarm over the absence of mechanisms to monitor or mitigate community harm within the proposed entertainment complex framework. Similarly, community leader Naiyana Yonjorhor warned that legalized gambling could worsen household debt and domestic violence, particularly in low-income areas. “Most gamblers are heads of households. When addiction takes hold, the entire family suffers,” she said.

People’s Party MP and spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu also criticized the government for focusing on gambling legislation rather than addressing the country’s urgent needs. He noted that the cabinet had failed to pass a resolution to remove the bill from the legislative agenda and warned that its continued progress could test the ruling coalition’s parliamentary strength. “If the government sincerely considered the concerns raised by opposition parties and segments of the public, it should withdraw the bill,” he said.

Government Considers Next Steps as Senate Raises Concerns

According to Chousak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, a final decision on whether to proceed with the bill is expected on Monday. He explained that while withdrawal typically requires House approval, it could be done immediately if no objections are raised. He cited recent cabinet changes as a possible reason for the reconsideration.

Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri noted that further discussion is needed with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, who oversees the bill, before any action is finalized. Although the government had initially prioritized the casino bill, it has now pivoted toward advancing an amnesty bill instead.

Meanwhile, Senate committee chair Weeraphan Suwannamai said the panel remains concerned that the government has not been transparent about the bill’s implications. The Senate has invited a representative of the suspended prime minister to appear on July 17 to address twelve key concerns. These include whether casino revenue is central to the proposed project, the number of casinos approved, land use legality at Klong Toey Port, and regulatory transparency.

While some reports initially indicated that the bill might be delayed until August, it remains on the House agenda for debate when the legislature reconvenes on July 9.