Deputy prime minister of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai has vigorously defended the Entertainment Complex bill as a necessary economic measure in response to escalating US tariffs on Thai goods.
The bill, scheduled for parliamentary debate on April 9, has become a focal point of tension between government officials and opposition groups amid Thailand’s challenging trade environment.
According to a report by the Bangkok Post, Phumtham emphasized that the bill - which includes provisions for casino operations within integrated entertainment complexes - aims to generate substantial revenue to help offset the 36 per cent US tariff hike on Thai exports, which is significantly higher than Singapore’s 10 per cent rate.
“This isn’t about encouraging gambling - it’s about economic survival,” he stated, framing the legislation as a financial resilience strategy rather than a promotion of gambling.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief
