It's likely that casinos won't be opening in Thailand.  If Anutin Charnvirakul is chosen to be the kingdom's next prime minister, it is probably what will happen.

The House of Representatives of the National Assembly selected Charnvirakul to replace Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Friday.

Charnvirakul, a seasoned politician who was born into an affluent Chinese family in Bangkok, held the position of deputy prime minister under three prime ministers, including Shinawatra, until resigning in June due to a falling out with his immediate superior.  After receiving royal approval on Sunday, Charnvirakul was formally appointed prime minister.

“I’d like to take an oath that I determine to perform my duties to my fullest capabilities, with honesty and virtue,” Charnvirakul said.

Charnvirakul, an heir to Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction PCL, a significant construction firm, first joined his family's business in the late 1980s after earning an engineering degree from Hofstra University in New York.  Before going into politics in 1996, he handled a number of significant projects at Sino-Thai, including the building of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

Casino Odds Increase

Early in July, Shinawatra was dismissed from her position after it was revealed that she had criticized the Thai military in a phone conversation with Hun Sen, the president of the Senate and former prime minister of Cambodia.  In 17 years, Shinawatra became the fifth prime minister of Thailand and the second Shinawatra to be dismissed from office.

Charnvirakul's allegiance to the PM ended as a result of the call.  Shinawatra's Pheu Thai lost control of Parliament as a result of the head of the Bhumjaithai Party taking his party with him.

Charnvirakul became the front-runner to take over as the country's next prime minister after the Constitutional Court removed Shinawatra from office.

Charnvirakul is most recognized for advocating for the use of cannabis for medical purposes.  In his capacity as public health minister, Charnvirakul gave one million marijuana plants to Thai homes so they may grow medicinal cannabis without a license.

Charnvirakul has been a staunch opponent of permitting slot machines and table games to enter Thailand, despite his support for marijuana's holistic applications.  Charnvirakul has agreed with the public resistance to the liberalization of casino gaming, despite the fact that underground gambling dens are common.

The push to bring resorts akin to Las Vegas to Bangkok and other large cities was led by Shinawatra and her Pheu Thai.  The former prime minister said that these resorts will boost tax income, generate new jobs, and help bring tourism and leisure travel back to pre-COVID-19 levels.

PM Is Against Gambling

Except for the Government Lottery and parimutuel horse racing betting, gambling is still prohibited in Thailand.  However, underground gambling networks have caused gambling-related problems for numerous families.

As prime minister, Charnvirakul has promised "to return power to the people to decide on the future of the country."  He also promised to deal with illicit gambling.

"The government will take firm action against drug trafficking, human trafficking, scammers, gambling, and online gambling. We will work in cooperation with neighboring countries and international partners to eradicate all forms of social threats,” Charnvirakul declared.

Addiction worries and other potential drawbacks, such as an increase in crime, have been mentioned in numerous surveys that indicate the public is generally against casinos.