Thai PM’s suspension casts more doubt on proposed casino legalisation
The move is likely to further slow momentum on the Entertainment Complex Bill.
Thailand.- The proposal to legalise casinos in Thailand has been plunged further into doubt following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. The court is investigating allegations of ethical misconduct following the leak of a phone call with former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen.
The court accepted a petition from 36 senators accusing Shinawatra of breaching constitutional standards after the leak of a June 15 call in which she criticised a Thai army official and showed apparent deference to Hun Sen, describing him as ‘uncle’. The incident has sparked public and military criticism, further eroding confidence in her administration.
Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, also a member of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, has assumed caretaker responsibilities amid anticipation of a no-confidence vote. The scheduled July 3 debate on the Entertainment Complex Bill had already been postponed by at least a month.
The bill, which aims to legalise integrated casino resorts as part of a broader tourism strategy, has faced fierce public and legislative scrutiny. A Senate committee recently suggested withdrawing the bill entirely, citing legal inconsistencies and the absence of direct references to casinos in its early sections.
