On Tuesday, Thailand’s Cabinet decided to withdraw a controversial bill that would legalize casinos, following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to an ethics investigation.

Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat clarified that the bill is only being postponed and will be brought forward again when the time is right. He pointed to ongoing political uncertainty and the Cabinet reshuffle as reasons for the delay.

Originally approved by the Cabinet in January, the “entertainment complexes bill” was awaiting parliamentary review. If passed, the bill would allow casinos to open inside large complexes that also include hotels, shopping malls, convention centers, or theme parks.

The bill was taken back after the Prime Minister was suspended last week by the Constitutional Court due to a leaked phone call with a top Cambodian leader, which caused new political troubles.

Paetongtarn is being investigated over claims that she made remarks in the call that harmed Thailand’s national interests during a discussion with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen about a border issue.

The ruling Pheu Thai Party said the bill would help bring in more investors, grow tourism, and cut down on illegal gambling.

Julapun expressed regret over the delay, saying more time is needed to inform the public about the bill's advantages.

Pheu Thai, which has promised to address Thailand's economic problems, emphasized that casinos would be just a small component of a broader tourism development strategy.

Tourism remains a key sector of Thailand's economy and a central focus of government efforts to promote growth.