Thailand, April 7th, 2025 — Thailand’s three major religious organizations—Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim—each issued separate statements firmly opposing the draft Entertainment Complex Bill, which includes provisions to legalize casinos in the country. They cited conflicts with moral teachings and potential long-term harm to Thai society.
The Church of Christ in Thailand, led by Rev. Dr. Boonrat Buayen, submitted a formal letter to the Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on April 4, expressing strong opposition. The church emphasized its mission to uphold moral values and condemned the proposed legalization of gambling as contrary to Christian teachings and damaging to social ethics.
The Buddhist Association of Thailand, under royal patronage, highlighted that the Buddhist principles laid down since the reign of King Rama I serve as a moral foundation for Thai society. It warned that developing the economy through vice, such as gambling, weakens national virtue. The statement also referenced the “Bangkok Declaration 2024” as part of its stance.
The Wasatiyyah Institute for Peace and Development under the Sheikhul Islam Office (representing the Muslim community) also submitted a letter opposing the bill. It stressed that gambling is clearly prohibited in Islam and poses severe threats to individuals, families, and public order, potentially fueling corruption, crime, and societal decline.
All three faiths collectively urged the government to reconsider and withdraw the bill, asserting that true national development must align with moral and ethical values.
TPN media notes that the Thai Cabinet has announced today, April 8th, that proposed parliamentary debate on the proposed law has been postponed from tomorrow April 9th to an unannounced future date amidst heavy opposition and critics asking why this is a priority over more pressing items like US tariffs, Songkran holidays and increasing tourism, and recovering from the Myanmar earthquake which also affected Thailand.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
