A total of 189 former Thai senators, including three former Senate speakers, have publicly opposed two proposed bills that would legalise casino gambling and online betting in Thailand. According to a Nation Thailand report, the statement, signed by Manoonkrit Rupkhachorn, Thiradej Meepian, and Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, urges the government and political parties to abandon plans to pass the Entertainment Complex Bill and the online gambling legislation.   

The former lawmakers criticised the government’s timing in pushing the bills forward, arguing that immediate national concerns, such as the aftermath of the recent earthquake on 28 March, should take precedence. They expressed concern that the government appeared intent on passing the bills before the end of the current parliamentary session on 10 April, despite widespread opposition.  

Legislation not in original government agenda  

Among the primary reasons cited by the former senators is the abrupt inclusion of gambling legislation, which was not part of the government’s original policy platform. The group raised doubts about the motives behind the sudden move and highlighted the lack of adequate public consultation or debate.   

The statement also outlined concerns about the potential societal impact of the proposed casino zones. While the government claims that casinos would occupy only a small portion of larger entertainment complexes, the former senators argued that even limited gambling spaces could increase social problems, such as addiction and family breakdown. They warned that the social costs could outweigh any benefits touted by supporters of the bill.  

Issues of oversight and regulatory power  

Critics of the bills have raised alarms over the proposed governance structure, which would grant substantial power to a dedicated committee overseeing casino operations. Former lawmakers voiced concern that such an arrangement lacks transparency and could lead to abuses of power with minimal checks and balances.   

Economic arguments in favour of the bills were also questioned. According to the statement, the legalisation of casinos and online gambling would not add value to Thailand’s gross domestic product (GDP) but merely redistribute existing capital within the economy. Citing analysis from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council, the former senators claimed the financial impact would not benefit the broader population.  

Crime and corruption risks highlighted  

The group also pointed to the potential for increased criminal activity, including online scams, transborder crimes, and corruption. Referencing neighbouring countries such as Myanmar, Cambodia, and the Philippines, the statement argued that legalised gambling has not delivered promised economic transformation and has instead contributed to social and criminal challenges in those regions.  

Parliament and Senate under pressure  

Despite the opposition, the House of Representatives is expected to begin debating the Entertainment Complex Bill on 9 April. The Senate, meanwhile, has included the matter on its 8 April agenda, with plans to review the potential impacts and assess public sentiment. Some senators are pushing for more time and public scrutiny, amid claims that the process is being rushed.