Don’t Bet on Casinos in Thailand, as Prime Minister Anutin Pledges New Economic Focus

Don’t Bet on Casinos in Thailand, as Prime Minister Anutin Pledges New Economic Focus

Just a few months ago, Thailand was on the verge of becoming one of the countries with casino resorts, along with China, the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea.  However, the likelihood that Thailand would join other Asian countries as a gaming nation has significantly increased since the Phitsanulok Mansion affair and the election of a new government.

In contrast to his ousted predecessor, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dislikes casino gambling.  At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in South Korea this weekend, he reaffirmed his commitment to a "no casino policy."

Anutin promised Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose nation has the second-largest economy in the world, that he would not tolerate gambling during their side-by-side bilateral encounter.  Macau, one of the PRC's two Special Administrative Regions, is allowed to have casinos by China.

China and Thailand have always had a solid economic and international partnership.

No Casino Pledge Is Essential

Thailand is one of China's main tourist destinations, and China is Thailand's biggest trading partner.  China, which is home to over 72 million people, is a popular travel destination for Thai tourists, with Macau being one of their top choices.  It takes less than three hours to fly from Bangkok to Asia's gambling capital.

China opposed former Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's proposal to establish casinos, citing concerns that it would reduce tourism to Macau and mainland vacation cities.  According to Shinawatra, casinos will boost Thailand's economy and attract more tourists.

Anutin was elected by the National Assembly's House of Representatives after being removed from office for criticizing the Thai military in a leaked phone conversation with Hun Sen, the former prime minister and president of Cambodia's Senate. Anutin quickly abandoned the casino concept.

"We have other options to improve the economy of Thailand, relying on the capabilities of the Thai people, Thai products, and Thai technology,” Anutin stated after meeting with Xi, as reported by The Nation.

Reporters were informed by Anutin that Xi "praised" his anti-casino stance.  According to reports, Xi informed the new prime minister that although China would not have interfered with Thailand's choice to approve casinos, he would have taken internal action to punish Chinese nationals who travel outside just for casino tourism.

Anutin and Xi stated that their meeting, which marked the 50th anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations, established a shared vision for a "safe and prosperous future," evidently putting the casino issue behind them.

Legislation Concerning Gaming Stopped

The current ruling party in the National Assembly is Anutin of the Bhumjaithai Party, which disavowed Shinawatra and ultimately led to her dismissal.  Pheu Thai, led by Shinawatra, has been demoted to the opposition.

According to Anutin, the Pheu Thai's proposed gaming bills, which would have permitted up to five casino resorts—two in Bangkok and one each in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket—have been abandoned.