BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced, on April 8, alongside coalition party leaders that the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill will be postponed until the next parliamentary session. She emphasized that the bill has not been withdrawn, but more urgent matters—such as the recent earthquake and the potential impact of new U.S. tariff measures dubbed the “Trump Tax”—must take precedence.
Following a Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister held a joint press conference with coalition partners to address the nation’s current challenges. The Ministry of Labor assured that it would provide assistance to both Thai citizens and foreigners affected by the earthquake, including considering regulatory exemptions to facilitate recovery efforts. In addition, discussions were ongoing regarding the U.S. tariff measures, with a key meeting scheduled later on the day to determine the government’s next steps.
When asked directly whether the Entertainment Complex Bill had been postponed, Paetongtarn confirmed that the coalition agreed it should wait. She stated, “We’re not pulling the bill back—it’s about prioritizing what must be addressed now. The earthquake, for example, was unexpected and demands immediate action.”
The Prime Minister also criticized political narratives that framed the bill as gambling-related, saying such portrayals were misleading. She affirmed her leadership style requires full and willing support from all coalition parties before proceeding with any major policy.
With only two days left in the current parliamentary session, the bill is expected to be reintroduced in the next session. Paetongtarn added that related ministers would provide further clarification to parliament when appropriate.
