BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra lashed out during a high-level government meeting, accusing political opponents of deliberately distorting the government’s Entertainment Complex policy by misrepresenting it as a plan to legalize gambling nationwide. She urged all senior officials to help clarify the issue to the public and refocus on revitalizing tourism during the upcoming Songkran festival.
Speaking at a meeting with 42 top ministry-level officials at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) headquarters, Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of national unity and clear communication. “The term ‘Entertainment Complex’ has been twisted into meaning casino, and that’s simply not true,” she said. “This is a political game aimed at misleading the public.”
She clarified that while casinos may be included in the complexes, they would only occupy about 10% of the area, and only operate under strict legal conditions. “This doesn’t mean anyone can open a casino anywhere. Thailand is not turning into a casino country,” she stressed. “It’s one complex, one license—not a nationwide rollout.”
The Prime Minister argued that the goal of the Entertainment Complex initiative is to boost the economy through job creation and upskilling, benefiting sectors like hospitality, interior design, textiles, and agriculture. “It’s a major economic push,” she said.
She also addressed recent natural disasters, including an earthquake, thanking all agencies for their swift response. Looking ahead, she called on tourism officials to fully mobilize efforts to attract visitors during Songkran, restore public confidence, and generate revenue for the country.
Before closing the meeting, Paetongtarn offered encouragement to officials, saying, “Get some rest over the next couple of days, because Songkran is going to be intense. The government is ready to support every sector.”
