Thaksin Shinawatra Supports the Legalization of Casino Resorts in Thailand

Former Thai Prime Minister and prominent businessman Thaksin Shinawatra has indicated strong support for the legalization of casino resorts in Thailand. This confirmation marks a significant approval for the gambling industry, considering the country is now under the new leadership of his daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, as the newly appointed Prime Minister. Paetongtarn took over after the removal of former PM Srettha Thavisin.

Thaksin advocated for casino resorts in a speech titled “Vision for Thailand,” which he delivered on Thursday. He highlighted the sluggish state of the country’s economy and outlined that the new industry would address critical measures to stimulate economic growth.

Uncertainty Under New Governance

The initiative to legalize casino resorts was brought into play by former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. However, Srettha was ousted by the Constitutional Court for ethical violations. 37-year-old Paetongtarn Shinawatra was nominated as his replacement by the dominant Pheu Thai party.

The newly appointed PM is expected to continue with her predecessor’s casino plans despite potential resistance within the coalition government.

“Thaksin and his daughter the new PM will continue with the casino plan, and tourism including MICE [Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions] is a major plank of Pheu Thai’s economic policies,” expressed Willian J. Jones, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Mahidol University International College in Bangkok.

Casino Resorts to Thailand’s Economic Rescue

In his speech, Thaksin detailed a plan to boost Thailand’s straggling economy, which included Integrated Resorts (IR). He noted that an IR in Bangkok would attract an investment of about THB100 billion (2.90 billion USD). Extra resorts in other provinces project around THB50 billion (1.45 billion USD).

Thaksin’s lengthy speech also included a substantial fiscal stimulus plan that supports a TBH500 billion (4.5 billion USD) handout initiative to about 50 million citizens. Each would receive TBH10,000 (293 USD) through a digital wallet to boost the economy within six months.

Thaksin’s Undeniable Political Influence

While Thaksin has no official ties to the Pheu Thai party, there is no denying his influence in shaping government policies. His role in Thai politics is strengthened with his daughter as the new Prime Minister. Thaksin is a key figure in Thailand’s political landscape despite recently returning after a 15-year exile. He was subsequently taken into custody and sentenced to an eight-year prison sentence that was reduced to six months after a royal pardon.