Thailand’s former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has issued a stark warning against legalizing casinos, calling the government’s push for land-based and online gaming a major societal risk. His comments come as the Thai government rushes to advance legislation that could pave the way for large-scale entertainment complexes featuring casinos.
“This Is Dangerous,” Abhisit Warns
At a recent discussion on the controversial casino proposal, Abhisit, who served as Thailand’s Prime Minister from 2008 to 2011, urged lawmakers to reconsider. He painted gambling as a “major social problem,” one that extends far beyond those placing bets.
“The harm isn’t just to gamblers themselves,” he cautioned. “It affects families, communities, and the economy in ways that aren’t immediately visible.”
Abhisit also voiced concerns about casinos becoming hubs for criminal activity. Money laundering, organized crime, and deepening household debt are just some of the potential risks, he said. Online gambling, he argued, is especially problematic.
- Increased gambling addiction
- Rising personal debts leading to crime
- Higher risks of fraud and money laundering
“It’s dangerous,” he said bluntly. “If this goes forward, we’re looking at a surge in crime and financial hardship for many.”
The Government’s Economic Bet
Despite opposition, the Thai government is moving full speed ahead with the proposal. Supporters claim that legalized gambling would transform Thailand into a top-tier tourist destination, boost tax revenue, and create thousands of new jobs.
Multinational casino operators—including Las Vegas Sands, Galaxy Entertainment, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and Genting Malaysia—are already eyeing the Thai market. These companies see a golden opportunity in a country that attracts tens of millions of tourists annually.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat estimates that casino-based entertainment complexes could generate up to THB 220 billion ($6.4 billion) in tourism revenue and boost GDP by as much as 5%.
But critics argue that these figures might be overly optimistic.
Is the Bill Being Rushed?
Abhisit isn’t alone in his criticism. Opposition lawmakers and government advisors have expressed frustration over how quickly the bill is advancing.
The Thai cabinet approved the measure “in principle” last month, pushing it forward for review by the Council of State (COS), which has already raised concerns. COS Secretary-General Pakorn Nilprapunt has criticized the bill for being too focused on gaming rather than broader tourism development.
Even Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra acknowledges that the government needs to do more to justify the plan.
“This issue is relatively new here, so we need to explain it clearly,” she said in a recent statement. “If we can ensure transparency, it will benefit the country.”
Corruption Concerns and Weak Oversight
For some, the biggest concern isn’t just gambling—it’s the lack of regulatory safeguards.
People’s Party MP Rangsiman Rome has slammed the bill for being weak on anti-money laundering (AML) protections. He pointed to past cases of illicit Chinese businesses using Thailand as a base for underground financial operations.
“The government has no clear measures to crack down on these activities,” he warned.
Thai Sang Thai Party leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan went even further, calling the bill “one of the worst pieces of legislation ever written.” She believes the proposal is more about allowing gambling than promoting economic growth.
A report from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) echoes this skepticism. The study suggests that while casinos generate revenue, their contribution to real economic production is questionable.
Public Resistance Growing
The push for casinos isn’t just facing political hurdles—it’s also deeply unpopular with the Thai public.
A recent survey by the Centre for Gambling Studies found that 50% of 8,000 respondents oppose the plan. Public sentiment against gambling runs strong, with many worried about its long-term effects on society.
The Stop Gambling Foundation (SGF) has taken the fight a step further, launching a petition demanding a public referendum on the issue. As of January, the campaign had already gathered 70,000 signatures, according to SGF Secretary-General Thanakorn Komkris.
What Happens Next?
The bill is still under review, but pressure is mounting on both sides.
Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that regulation is better than allowing illegal gambling to flourish unchecked. Opponents, however, insist that the risks outweigh the rewards.
With the public, politicians, and economic experts weighing in, Thailand’s casino gamble is far from a sure bet.
