Thai civil organizations have campaigned to gather 50,000 signatures for a public referendum to thwart the government’s desire to legalize casinos in Thailand.
The Stop Gambling Foundation kickstarted the campaign on January 30 in response to the cabinet approving a draft Entertainment Complex Business Act bill on January 13, 2025.
Chidtawan Chanakul, associate professor from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Economics, said: “The [government’s] approval of legal casinos and online gambling is dishonest and disrespectful towards voters.
“This policy violates the rule of law, and the government should revoke it, even if its principles have been approved.”
The initiative has gained support from legal professionals, industry analysts, and advocates from various institutions opposing gambling.
The proposed law would allow the country’s growing gambling industry to generate tax revenue through casino venues and complexes, which would have previously been illegal.
The Thai government anticipates legalizing gambling in 2025 will boost foreign investment, enhance tourism appeal, and elevate the nation’s gross gaming revenue to as much as $9.1 billion.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has already expressed support for three Bangkok casinos and remains determined to expand the country’s gambling market.
Shinawatra said: “It will benefit society as a whole in the future.
“This is part of the government’s policy to support sustainable tourism, or man-made destinations, which was addressed in Parliament.”
Thailand remains confident that its bill for integrated resorts will pass by 2025. Galaxy Entertainment Group and MGM Resorts have reportedly expressed interest in entering the Thai market in light of the proposed law.
The contents of the drafted bill mandate that only companies with at least 10 billion baht ($290 million) in capital can legally operate in Thailand. Additionally, they are required to pay an initial licensing fee of 5 billion baht ($150 million) in the first year, followed by an annual fee of 1 billion baht ($30 million).
The campaign is estimated to cost over 3 billion baht, and the referendum will be called “Do you agree with the government’s policy to increase gambling revenues in society?”
Under Thailand’s Referendum Act 2021, the government cannot ignore the call of a public vote if the campaign manages to reach 50,000 signatures. Should it succeed, it will be submitted to the Election Commission within 30 days after reaching its goal.
