BANGKOK — Suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has accused Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul of misrepresenting discussions about Thailand’s casino policy with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking in her capacity as Culture Minister, Paetongtarn responded to Anutin’s recent claims that President Xi had expressed displeasure with Thailand’s casino opening plans and had warned about the policy three times.
“Actually, Mr. Xi Jinping would have various recommendations, and we listen to them. He spoke about casinos out of concern and gave advice,” Paetongtarn said. “We explained that Thailand’s policy is to create entertainment complexes like Singapore and Macau. It helps generate income for the country and increases employment. Importantly, casinos make up only 10 percent.”
However, she accused Anutin of presenting a different version of events. “We explained it the same way we explained to Thai people – that it’s not all casinos. But he came and told it in another way, just stirring up trouble,” she said.
In a Facebook post, Anutin had claimed that Chinese leadership raised objections three times during bilateral meetings and explicitly requested policy abandonment. The former Interior Minister alleged that Thailand’s persistence with the casino legislation despite Chinese concerns led to deteriorating relations between the two countries.
According to Anutin, this tension has reportedly manifested in a 90% plunge in Chinese tourist arrivals, creating what he described as “unprecedented damage” to Thailand’s tourism sector. The ripple effects have impacted hotels, restaurants, retail shops, souvenir vendors, and street merchants – all traditionally dependent on Chinese tourism.
While welcoming the bill’s withdrawal, Anutin emphasized his party’s support depends on the government permanently shelving the policy rather than merely postponing it.
Paetongtarn dismissed these assertions, saying Anutin had forgotten the real reasons behind declining Chinese tourism.
“Not long after Anutin left his position, he forgot the reason why Chinese tourists don’t come to Thailand – it’s because of safety issues, which was the responsibility of the Interior Minister, a position he held at that time,” she stated.
She also cited ongoing problems with call center gangs and infrastructure issues, including water and electricity cuts, as contributing factors to the tourism decline.
“Orders were given repeatedly but were very difficult to implement. And why is Mr. Anutin speaking up today? Let the people see for themselves what the reason is,” Paetongtarn concluded.
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