Protests erupted in Thailand amid a government drive to legalise casinos in the country.

Furious locals today marched toward the Government House in Bangkok, demanding that the Integrated Entertainment Business Bill be withdrawn.

Former Man City owner Thaksin Shinawatra and de facto leader of the country's ruling party has pushed for the legalisation of casinos in order to generate more revenue for the country.

Footage shows civil groups and anti-gambling advocates carrying Thai flags and signs decrying the measure, touted by officials as a way to boost tourism and investment.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, said on Tuesday the parliamentary debate discussing the bill will be delayed to focus on earthquake relief efforts and dealing with the US tariff fallout.

She said: 'We will not withdraw the bill. During this time, we will continue to listen to feedback from the public. I want to make it clear that the governing coalition believes that we need to prioritize issues accordingly. We have always had a clear order of priority.'

Despite public furor, she defended the bill which would make what she called entertainment complexes 'a place for everyone, including families and children.'

She added: 'Casinos will not suddenly become legal everywhere in Thailand. The entertainment complex may include a casino that is properly licensed, but that doesn't mean all casinos across the country will become legal. I admit that more time is needed to sort out the details, as unregulated and illegal gambling has already caused considerable damage in Thailand.'

Most forms of gambling are illegal in the Southeast Asian nation, except for the lottery and state-controlled horse racing and sports betting.

However, the Thai Cabinet approved a draft bill in January that aimed to legalise casinos to bolster economic growth and create more jobs. The proposed legislation states that casinos may be housed within 'integrated entertainment complexes' but can only take up 10 per cent of the premises.

A 2024 Citi report said around half of the Thai population aged 20 and older were potential casino players, positioning the country to become the world's third-largest gambling destination after Macau and Las Vegas.