Thailand PM Charnvirakul reveals future of gambling legalisation

Summary

Upon taking office, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has effectively cooled prospects for Thailand’s integrated resorts (casino) bill, saying he does not believe gambling should be used to stimulate the economy. He reaffirmed his past opposition as interior minister and announced a fresh review of poker, which could be reclassified as a sport. The integrated resorts draft was withdrawn in July after political turmoil linked to a leaked phone call involving former PM Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Hun Sen; Shinawatra was suspended and later removed by the Constitutional Court. The article contrasts Thailand’s stalled progress with Japan’s advancing casino projects, such as MGM Osaka, which are creating competitive pressure across the region.

Key Points

New PM Anutin Charnvirakul opposes using gambling to stimulate the economy and has paused the integrated resorts bill.
Poker will be reassessed and may be reclassified as a sport under Charnvirakul’s government.
The integrated resorts draft was withdrawn in July following political controversy and the suspension of then-PM Shinawatra.
Political shifts — including Bhumjaithai leaving the coalition and a Constitutional Court ruling — derailed prior casino legislation.
Japan’s casino developments (eg MGM Osaka) continue, raising competitiveness concerns for neighbouring countries like South Korea.

Content summary

Charnvirakul told local media he disagrees with the idea that gambling will boost Thailand’s economy and urged critics not to expect progress on the integrated resorts bill under his premiership. He noted his previous stance against poker while serving as interior minister but said the game will undergo a second assessment with the possibility of being classified as a sport. The piece recalls the recent political events that led to withdrawal of the bill — a leaked phone call involving Shinawatra and Hun Sen, public protests, her suspension, and a Constitutional Court ruling removing her from office — and places the decision in regional context where Japan pressing ahead with integrated resorts could divert tourism and spend away from Thailand.

Context and relevance

This is a key development for operators, investors and regulators tracking Southeast Asian market liberalisation. A firm ‘no’ from the new PM effectively stalls large-scale casino-led tourism plans in Thailand for now, alters investment risk calculations, and keeps pressure on regional hubs (Japan, Macau) to capture inbound tourism. Reclassification of poker could change licensing, player pools and enforcement priorities domestically, and will be closely watched by market entrants and affiliates considering the Thai market.

Why should I read this?

Short version: new PM says ‘not on my watch’ for casinos, poker might get a sport badge — which means big plans for gambling in Thailand are back on hold. If you work in igaming, tourism or regional investment, this changes the playbook — fast.