After Folding on Casinos, Thailand’s Pheu Thai Party Turns to ‘Wellness Tourism’
Posted on: January 20, 2026, 01:22h.
Last updated on: January 19, 2026, 03:07h.
- The Pheu Thai Party in Thailand is pitching wellness tourism
- The party was previously behind an effort to bring casinos to Thailand
The 2025 political crisis in Thailand that resulted in Paetongtarn Shinawatra being forcibly removed as prime minister additionally cost her Pheu Thai Party control in the National Assembly. The party is altering its messaging ahead of next month’s general election.
Shinawatra, the fourth member of her family to be prime minister following her father, uncle, and aunt, was ousted from office by the Constitutional Court in August after she was accused of being dishonest and violating ethical standards related to a phone call she had with Cambodia’s Hun Sen.
During the call, which was later leaked, Paetongtarn was heard addressing the former Cambodian prime minister as “uncle” and asking him to ignore “our opponents.” Shinawatra blamed the Thai military for worsening the border tensions between the two countries, which have since escalated into further conflict.
On Feb. 8, the next 500-member House of Representatives will be elected. The House is the only chamber of the National Assembly that is voted on, as the non-partisan 200-person Senate is appointed by professional and social groups.
The Pheu Thai lost much of its power through the 2025 scandal. Anutin Charnvirakul, a member of the Bhumjaithai Party, became prime minister, and the Bhumjaithai severed its allegiance with the Pheu Thai.
Casino Messaging
Upon taking office, Paetongtarn said it would be a point of her premiership to usher in casino resorts to Thailand. Seeking to jumpstart the nation’s economy and grow tourism, Paetongtarn suggested approving two Las Vegas-like resorts in Bangkok and one each in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Though there was widespread public opposition, Paetongtarn and the Pheu Thai pushed on with the casino drive until the political unrest. The Pheu Thai, hoping to reestablish its prominence in the National Assembly, is now ditching the casino ambition in favor of so-called “wellness tourism.”
Yodchanan Wongsawat, the party’s prime ministerial candidate, told Nikkei Asia that the areas originally slated for casinos might become repurposed hubs for health and medical tourism.
It’s just a project to gain money from tourists. If one project did not work, we can adjust it,” Yodchanan said.
Yodchanan, a nephew of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and cousin of Paetongtarn, says the party’s goal is to win at least 200 of the 500 seats next month.
Tourism Downfall
Thailand tourism plunged in 2025, with the 32.97 million foreign visitors representing a 7.2% drop from 2024. The number of Chinese tourists dropped 30% amid Thailand’s ongoing conflict with Cambodia and problems with its widespread scam centers.
Thailand’s folding on casinos was welcomed by People’s Republic President Xi Jinping. During his meeting with Anutin in early November, Xi “praised” the prime minister’s “no casino policy.”
China is home to the world’s richest casino hub, Macau. China bars its residents and citizens from gambling in foreign countries.
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