Thailand’s casino bill puts Visa-free China policy at risk

Ansh Pandey January 24, 2025

SiGMA news

The Thai government is facing mounting pressure to revise its for Chinese visitors amid concerns that the scheme is enabling transnational crime rings operated by Chinese nationals, potentially harming the nation’s tourism-driven economy.

According to a statement by Thai senator Wanchai Ekpornpichit, Thailand’s strategic location and policies have made it a favourable base for illegal transnational operations, especially as neighbouring countries like China, Myanmar, and Cambodia intensify their crackdowns on organised crime.

He pointed to cases where Chinese crime syndicates leveraged Thailand as a hub for illegal ventures. A notable case involves She Zhijiang, a gambling tycoon with Cambodian citizenship, who was arrested in Bangkok in 2022 on an international warrant from Beijing for operating illegal online gambling across Southeast Asia.

Visa-free policy harming Bangkok

And so, it has become an utmost priority for a comprehensive review of the visa-free programme, particularly targeting tourists from China and other countries associated with transnational crime.

As per the senator, Bangkok’s visa-free policy for China is primarily tarnishing Thailand’s reputation as a premier holiday destination. Criminal networks have established operations along Thailand’s borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, where trafficked individuals are coerced into activities such as investment scams, illegal gambling, and cryptocurrency fraud.

Data also proves so. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that cybercriminals amassed an estimated US$37 billion in 2023 despite intensified law enforcement efforts. The 2024 data is yet to be released, but it is expected that numbers are likely to rise further.

Furthermore, the demand to scrutinse visa policies is gaining traction as Thailand continues to debate legalisation of casinos and gambling. The Thai government has tasked the Council of State with reviewing the entertainment complex bill within 50 days, signaling its urgency.

Another step in regulating casinos?

This proposed legislation aims to establish large-scale entertainment venues with integrated casinos, a key strategy to boost tourism and economic recovery. The Council of State, functioning independently, will evaluate the bill and provide recommendations before it proceeds to the House of Representatives.

The government views these complexes vital for regulating gambling and revitalizing tourism.

While there is support in principle, opposition parties have expressed concerns about transparency and clarity. Critics are demanding detailed information about how revenues will be taxed and allocated, particularly the share that will benefit local administrative organisations.

Critics are also calling for safeguards to prevent a rise in crime and measures to address illegal gambling. So, as Chinese nationals continue to remain under increased scrutiny, calls are growing in Thailand to fix the existing loopholes.

While the Chinese nationals are viewed negatively due to Beijing’s stringent anti-gambling laws, their involvement is adding complications for Thailand as it races to regulate gambling and establish casinos.