In a Bid to Boost Tourism, Thailand Approves Draft Law to Legalize Casinos

Thailand’s cabinet has approved a draft law to legalize casinos and gambling, a move aimed at boosting tourism, job creation, and investment, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced on Monday.

The proposed law, which will be sent to parliament for review, would allow gambling in large-scale entertainment complexes.

Currently, most forms of gambling are banned in Thailand, although underground betting and lotteries are widespread, along with limited legal gambling such as horse races and the state lottery.

Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines have reaped significant benefits from legal casino operations, and the Thai government argues that the lack of regulated casinos has cost the country valuable revenue and tourism opportunities.

“Legalisation will protect the public and also generate more state revenue,” Paetongtarn told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.

She emphasized that regulated gambling could help Thailand capitalize on its tourism potential, a vital sector for the country’s economy, which is Southeast Asia’s second-largest.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat highlighted the economic benefits, predicting that legalizing gambling could increase foreign tourist numbers by 5–10% and boost tourism revenue by 120–220 billion baht (£3–£6.3 billion). He also said the plan could create 9,000–15,000 new jobs. The push for legalization follows years of debate and resistance from conservative groups in Thailand, a majority-Buddhist country.

However, the ruling party has strong support from influential figures, including former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire father of Paetongtarn, who has long advocated for regulated gambling. If implemented, this initiative would align Thailand with its regional peers and help strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination.