New Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul rejects gambling as an economic driver, vows no casino policy | AGB
Summary
Thailand’s newly appointed prime minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has publicly ruled out legalising casinos while he is in office and says gambling will not be used as an economic stimulus. Anutin — who took office on 5 September after the removal of Paetongtarn Shinawatra — contrasted his stance with his predecessor’s plans for integrated resorts that had promised up to $42 billion in investment. The Entertainment Complex Bill championed by the previous government was already withdrawn by the House in July. Anutin also signalled a review of recent gambling-related changes, including the Sports Authority’s recognition of poker as a sport, which could be reversed.
Key Points
- Anutin says gambling will not be used to stimulate the Thai economy and has ruled out casino legalisation during his term.
- The new PM’s stance directly opposes the former government’s plan for integrated resorts that touted up to $42bn in potential investment.
- The House withdrew the Entertainment Complex Bill in July, effectively shelving the previous administration’s flagship casino policy.
- Anutin may review and potentially roll back the recognition of poker as a sport, reversing policy moves made in July.
- He cites concerns about a possible drop in Chinese tourist arrivals and alleges strong objections from Beijing to the casino plan.
- The shift represents a major policy risk for investors and developers who had been considering or planning projects linked to casino legalisation.
Content summary
Anutin explicitly rejected the idea that gambling can be an economic driver, telling local media that those who believe otherwise should wait for another prime minister. His comments mark the first clear statement on casinos since he assumed office, and they underline a policy reversal from Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s administration. With the Entertainment Complex Bill already withdrawn and Anutin signalling reviews of poker recognition and other gambling reforms, the regulatory outlook for bricks-and-mortar integrated resorts in Thailand is now uncertain.
For the gaming sector, this is a meaningful setback: projects and potential foreign investment tied to casino legalisation are now likely to be paused, re-evaluated or shelved. The PM also referenced geopolitical sensitivities — notably reported pushback from Beijing — as part of his rationale against pursuing a casino-led growth strategy.
Context and relevance
This story matters to investors, operators and regional governments because Thailand had been positioned to become a major new market for integrated resorts and tourism-led development. The reversal reduces near-term growth prospects for large-scale casino projects in Southeast Asia and could shift investor attention elsewhere (for example, to Macau, the Philippines or emerging regional hubs). It also highlights how political change and diplomatic relationships (notably with China) can strongly influence gambling policy and tourism strategy.
Author style
Punchy. The reporting is direct and frames Anutin’s announcement as a decisive policy pivot with immediate implications for the gaming industry and investors.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: if you care about gaming investments, tourism policy or where big resort money will flow in Southeast Asia, this is important. Anutin’s stance kills the immediate chance of casinos in Thailand and could undo recent regulatory tweaks — so anyone with skin in the game needs to know this now, not later.