Thailand casino bill faces uncertain future amid political turmoil
The withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the ruling coalition leaves the government with a slimmer majority.
Thailand.- The future of the plan to legalise casino resorts in Thailand is in doubt after the Bhumjaithai Party, the second-largest partner in the ruling coalition, announced its withdrawal from the government. The casino bill was due for parliamentary debate in early July.
The political crisis was sparked by a leaked phone conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen in which Shinawatra appeared critical of the Thai military’s role in a border clash with Cambodian forces in late May. This has intensified existing divisions.
With Bhumjaithai’s 69 seats now removed from the government’s support, the Pheu Thai-led coalition maintains a slim majority. Some believe the government still has enough votes to govern, but the reduced margin raises doubts about its ability to pass controversial policies.
The Entertainment Complex Bill has faced opposition both inside and outside Parliament. A petition with nearly 54,000 signatures has called for a national referendum.
Meanwhile, Thailand has imposed strict travel restrictions on its citizens entering Cambodia, impacting casino operators in Poipet, including Donaco International, which has warned of a decline in revenue.
