Casino Bill Puts Thailand’s Coalition to the Test

The controversial Entertainment Complex Bill—designed to legalise casino gambling in Thailand— and championed by the ruling Pheu Thai Party (PT), won Cabinet approval in late March but failed to secure a first reading during April’s parliamentary session. The bill has received strong pushback, with protesters marching to Government House, and Pheu Thai’s biggest coalition partner Bhun Jai Thai (BJT) sending mixed signals about its support. Chaichanok Chidchob—BJT secretary-general and son of its influential founder, Newin Chidchob—declared in parliament he would never support the bill while party leader Anutin Charnvirakul had earlier given a favorable nod.

Parliament is expected to revisit the bill when the next session opens July 3rd. The bill must pass three readings in the House of Representatives, a process that could be protracted due to anticipated disagreements and negotiations. The Senate, largely dominated by BJT, will also get to voice its opinion on the bill, though it shouldn’t be a stumbling block if the party votes in favor during the House vote.

To secure BJT’s support, PT will ultimately need to pay a political price — either through sharing casino spoils, easing political attacks such as those involving BJT’s alleged collusion in the Senate elections, or both. If unwilling, PT may back down and drop the bill, though that would seriously damage its credibility and raise concerns about its ability to govern and maintain coalition unity. It would also, once again, put the kibosh on Thaksin’s long-standing dream of having legal casinos in Thailand — one he originally pitched as prime minister in the early 2000s and again a decade later when his sister Yingluck was premier, before her ousting by the military.