Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has put the brakes on plans to legalise casinos, telling Chinese President Xi Jinping that gambling won’t be part of the country’s economic comeback story.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, where Anutin confirmed his government had suspended all proposed casino legislation. Instead, he said, Thailand’s growth will come from ‘our people, our products and our technology’ – a nod to the country’s strengths in tourism, agriculture and manufacturing.
Xi reportedly praised the move, calling it a positive step against cross-border gambling. China has long been wary of its citizens flocking to casino resorts across Southeast Asia, where entire towns have been built around gaming tourism. With Thailand officially closing that door, Beijing gains a willing ally in curbing what it sees as a social problem.
A way forward
The meeting went beyond moral stands. Both sides agreed to step up cooperation in tourism, digital trade and agriculture. China will reportedly buy 500,000 tonnes of Thai rice under a new deal, while both countries push to restore pre-pandemic travel numbers. Thailand also joined China in pledging to crack down on cybercrime and online scams targeting Chinese nationals.
For Thailand, the ‘no casino’ stance marks a clear shift in tone. Successive governments have flirted with the idea of so-called ‘entertainment complexes’ – integrated resorts with gaming floors aimed at boosting tax revenue and luring foreign investment. Supporters claimed it could bring in billions; critics warned of addiction, corruption and the erosion of Thai values.
Anutin’s decision, then, is both economic and cultural. It’s a signal that his administration would rather double down on responsible growth than gamble on quick wins. In practical terms, it also keeps Thailand aligned with China’s regional expectations – a smart diplomatic move as the two countries deepen economic ties in tech manufacturing, EV batteries and green energy.
But there’s a catch. Thailand still faces mounting debt, sluggish spending and tough competition from neighbours like Vietnam and Malaysia. Without the adrenaline shot of casino capital, the government will have to work harder to attract investment and keep the tourism boom sustainable.
Still, the move plays well with Thai voters, many of whom view gambling as socially toxic. It also fits with Anutin’s image as a leader focused on clean, people-centred progress. His message to Xi was clear: Thailand can grow – and have fun – without the roulette wheel.