Whatever steps Thailand takes to reinvigorate tourism numbers from China, the regulation of casinos won’t be explored following a second intervention in as many years from President Xi Jinping.
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has reassured Jinping that the country will not pursue casino legalisation, as relationships between the two countries grow and optimism around reigniting Chinese tourism to Thailand elevates.
According to local reports, Jinping conveyed satisfaction with Charnvirakul’s commitment to not pursuing casino regulation when the pair met at last week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in South Korea.
Thailand had previously sought to boost wider tourism through the introduction of casinos as part of integrated resorts. However, the bill was withdrawn earlier this year amid political tensions that led to Charnvirakul replacing Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister.
Shinawatra’s efforts faced significant backlash both from within Thailand and elsewhere, including from China’s President.
In February, Jinping warned against the social issues that could emerge if the country introduced casino regulation, placing a particular emphasis on a rise in crime related to the venues.
Since being sworn in as Prime Minister, Charnvirakul has repeatedly dismissed the chances of gambling legislation returning under his leadership and most recently reversed a July decision to recognise poker as a sport.
“The talks went well and were full of mutual understanding. Jinping appeared more at ease when he learned that the current Thai government has no policy to legalise casinos. This means the Chinese government will support its citizens in visiting Thailand with confidence,” Mr Anutin told local media.
Forming a wider trend of declining visitation to Thailand, 2.26 million Chinese nationals visited the Southeast nation in the first half of 2025, down 34% compared to 2024.
Jinping has noted that China could advise its citizens to avoid visiting countries whose policies differ from China’s. Given mainland China’s ban on gambling, Thailand’s previous decision to pursue casino regulation may have stunted its attraction for visitors from China.
The backing of the Chinese Premier will be crucial to Thailand as it looks to restore its status as a tourism hotspot amid competition from neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia. Approximately 12% of the country’s GDP is derived from tourism, and the sector employs 20% of Thailand’s workforce, both directly and indirectly.
According to China’s Indian embassy, the duo also committed to supporting the fight against transnational crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud.
