On April 8, the Thai government delayed a parliamentary debate on the country’s controversial casino legalization bill. Originally scheduled for discussion on April 9, the draft bill – endorsed by the cabinet last month - has been shelved amidst protests against the proposed entertainment complex bill.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stated that the government is placing greater emphasis on more urgent matters, including the uncertain landscape of U.S. tariffs on Thai goods and the aftermath of last month’s deadly earthquake in Bangkok. Despite the postponement, Prime Minister Paetongtarn defended the bill, asserting that misinformation has fueled public resistance. The Senate is now expected to establish a committee to further study the bill’s potential impacts, with a tentative review in the House of Representatives scheduled for next week.
In parallel, Thailand is moving swiftly on two amended emergency decrees related to the prevention and suppression of cybercrime, as well as digital asset and cryptocurrency transactions. The amendments aim to address growing concerns about technology-related crimes and the management of digital assets. On April 9, the Thai Cabinet approved the two draft bills proposed by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society. The two amended decrees took effect on April 13.
The amended decree on cybercrime broadens the legal scope, placing greater accountability on financial institutions, telecom operators, digital asset businesses, and e-wallet providers for scam-related losses. It also enhances transparency requirements for transaction monitoring. The platform owners that fail to comply with anti-scam measures may face penalties of up to 500,000 baht, while individuals responsible may subject to a prison term of up to one year and/or a fine of 100,000 baht. Notably, the law includes a provision allowing victims to receive refunds if damages and financial losses can be proven without the need for immediate court proceedings. The amended decree on digital asset and cryptocurrency transactions is intended to complement the cybercrime suppression framework.
