Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Thursday, May 29, 2025

Thai Coalition Faces Tension Over Casino Bill Vote

Thai Coalition Faces Tension Over Casino Bill Vote

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urges ruling parties to support proposed casino-entertainment complex legislation amid growing protests.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has reportedly warned members of the ruling coalition in Thailand to pledge their support for a bill concerning casino-entertainment complexes, which is scheduled for deliberation in parliament.

Sources indicate that Thaksin emphasized the importance of coalition unity, cautioning that those who do not support the bill face the possibility of expulsion from the government.

The Pheu Thai Party, which leads the coalition, has sought backing from allied parties including the Bhumjaithai and United Thai Nation parties.

Most of these parties have voiced their commitment to support the legislation during its first reading in the House of Representatives.

However, dissent has emerged from the Prachachat Party, which holds nine seats in the parliament and has publicly opposed the legalisation of gambling due to religious beliefs.

Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, the leader of the Prachachat Party, represents a constituency primarily composed of Muslims from the southern provinces, many of whom object to gambling on religious grounds.

Reports suggest that Pol Col Tawee did not participate in the cabinet meeting on March 27 during which the casino bill was endorsed.

Additionally, a letter from him to the cabinet's secretary-general highlighted concerns regarding the potential for increased crime and corruption linked to casino legalisation.

Prachachat MP Sugarno Matha confirmed that Pol Col Tawee had urged the government to reconsider the bill, suggesting that the proposed economic benefits might not outweigh negative societal impacts, especially on youth.

He also reaffirmed that views against gambling are prevalent among other religious communities, including Buddhists.

Sorawong Thienthong, the secretary-general of Pheu Thai and Minister of Sports and Tourism, acknowledged the apprehensions expressed by the Prachachat Party but claimed that discussions could lead to a mutual understanding.

While he refuted allegations that Thaksin had issued threats regarding coalition discipline, he indicated that it is understandable for a party associated with predominantly Muslim voters to express reservations about the bill.

The government's push to expedite the casino-entertainment complex bill has drawn extensive criticism from various sectors, including healthcare professionals, academics, and educational institutions, who have begun to mobilize against it.

The debate surrounding the legislation is set to intensify, with protests planned ahead of the parliamentary session.
Newsletter

Related Articles

EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
0:00
0:00
Open
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
0:00
0:00
Close
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
Brazil Sues Chinese EV Maker BYD Over Labor Violations
Southeast Asia Urges Unity Amid U.S. Tariff Escalations
Bangkok Bank Tightens Regulations on Foreign Account Holders
Thailand Considers Reintroducing Outbound Travel Tax
Phuket, Rayong, and Samui Lead Residential Transfer Growth in Q1 2025
Philippines Signals Openness to China Talks Amid South China Sea Tensions
Chinese Woman Dies After Being Forced to Visit Bank Despite Critical Illness
Thailand's Tourism Industry Invites Chinese Agents to Revive Visitor Arrivals
BLACKPINK Confirms Three Bangkok Concerts for 'Deadline' World Tour in October 2025
Thailand's Luxury Retail Sector Poised for Continued Growth
China and Vietnam Resume Cross-Border Passenger Train Service After Five-Year Hiatus
Hong Kong International Airport's Terminal 2 Set for Phased Reopening Starting September
Thailand Approves Intellectual Property Reform Plan Amid U.S. Watchlist Efforts
Safety First: Thailand Enforces Stricter Helmet Laws with Increased Fines
Tourism Decline Impacts Bangkok's Banthat Thong Road Restaurants
Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Nominee Firms with New Legislation
Texas Enacts App Store Accountability Act Mandating Age Verification
U.S. Health Secretary Ends Select COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
Vatican Calls for Sustainable Tourism in 2025 Message
Trump Warns Putin Is 'Playing with Fire' Amid Escalating Ukraine Conflict
India and Pakistan Engage Trump-Linked Lobbyists to Influence U.S. Policy
U.S. Halts New Student Visa Interviews Amid Enhanced Security Measures
Trump Administration Cancels $100 Million in Federal Contracts with Harvard
SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Failure, Mars Mission Timeline Uncertain
King Charles Affirms Canadian Sovereignty Amid U.S. Statehood Pressure
Thailand Seeks Asean Heritage Park Status for Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand to Launch $150 Million Government-Backed Digital Investment Token
Thai Medical Council Disciplines Doctors over Thaksin Shinawatra's Hospitalization
Cleveland Clinic Study Questions Effectiveness of Recent Flu Vaccine
Contraband Phones Used for Crimes in French Prisons
Eight Convicted in Kim Kardashian's 2016 Paris Robbery
UAE Offers Free ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions to Citizens
Japan Develops Universal Artificial Blood
Bangkok Partners with Google to Implement AI-Powered Smart Traffic Lights
Bangkok Crisis Management Conference Charts Path for Urban Resilience Through International Collaboration
Global Rice Production Forecast for 2024/25 Raised to Record High
Chinese Investors Compete with Thai Firms in Coconut Water Export Market
Mobile War Room Deployed to Ayutthaya for Flood Preparedness
Thai Wine Tax Cut Backfires: Consumption Soars, State Loses Millions
Psychological Safety Recognized as Key to Workplace Performance
Tech Leaders Convene in Bangkok for AIoT Summit
Thai Consumer Spending Shifts Towards Essentials and Experiences
Thai Shippers Call for Strategic Export Plan Amid Global Challenges
Synology Eyes Thailand for Data Growth Amid AI Expansion
Inoue Rubber Targets 5% Revenue Growth Amid Global Demand
OPEC+ Plans Significant Oil Output Increase Amid Price Slump
Thailand's April Exports Surpass Expectations but Growth Slows
Health Ministry Warns Thai Pilgrims of MERS Risk in Saudi Arabia
Snakes Released in Bangkok Condo Hallway Amid Pet Noise Dispute
×