Protests take place in Thailand over casino bill

On Sunday (March 2) three protest groups rallied outside Government House in Thailand as they wished for the government to abandon its plans to legalize casinos and online gambling.

The protest involved the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, the Dharma Army, and the Centre of People for Monarchy Protection. A large group of people can be seen at the protest, many holding signs with some stating ‘no casino.’

In September of 2024, Thailand gave the green light for the first official casinos to open even though gambling is illegal in the country. Only some forms of gambling are currently permitted, including state-controlled horse races and an official lottery.

Protesters submitted a letter, which they said contained more than 100,000 signatures, to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, demanding that the government scrap policies to legalize casinos inside entertainment complexes and online gambling.

The protest was led by Thai… pic.twitter.com/aixH57gbJP

— Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) March 3, 2025

It was when the new government came into power that they introduced plans for an entertainment complex that would house a casino. At the time, it was reported that a public hearing had shown that 80% of participants agreed with the plan.

The Nation, the publisher that reported on the protest, says one of the leaders of the groups, Pitchit Chaimongkol, noted that the Cabinet is expected to give final approval to a bill allowing entertainment complexes with casinos during its weekly meeting on 11 March.

The bill in principle was approved by the Cabinet in January 2025, and it was then sent to the Office of the Council, with the final draft to be ready for approval this month. If the bill is approved, it will be put forward to parliament.

“Our network will oppose it and will not back down,” Pitchit is reported to have declared.

The protestors also demanded updates on the Medical Council’s probe into the former Prime Minister of Thailand Thaskin Shinawatra’s extended hospital stay. This was when he stayed in hospital for 180 days.

According to the publisher, Pitchit confirmed the groups had obtained the relevant permissions from authorities to protest peacefully. It was said the rally would continue until the demands had been met.

Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram 

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