Decision on Thailand’s casino bill set for Monday
The government will decide whether to withdraw or delay the controversial bill.
Thailand.- The Thai government is set to decide on Monday whether to withdraw or postpone the contentious Entertainment Complex Bill, which seeks to legalise casinos in Thailand. Originally labelled as urgent legislation, the bill faces criticism from legal, political and civil society groups amid an increasingly unstable political climate.
Chousak Sirinil, minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, confirmed that the administration is reconsidering the bill’s timing in light of the recent cabinet reshuffle. While a formal withdrawal typically requires a House resolution, the legislation could be pulled immediately if no lawmakers object.
Deputy transport minister Manaporn Charoensri indicated that further discussions with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat are needed. The matter will be reviewed at Monday’s government whip committee meeting.
The government now placing focus on advancing an amnesty bill. The situation has been complicated by the Constitutional Court’s suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who faces allegations of breaching ethical standards after a leaked conversation with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
The Senate committee overseeing the bill, led by Senator Weeraphan Suwannamai, has expressed concern over transparency. The panel has identified 12 key issues requiring clarification, including possible violations of expropriation laws related to land use at Klong Toey Port, and questions surrounding the licensing process for casino operators. The committee has summoned a representative of the suspended prime minister to address these matters on July 17.
Civil society groups and anti-gambling networks recently staged protests at Government House, calling for the bill’s immediate withdrawal. Critics have also denounced a provision limiting casino access to Thai nationals with at least THB50m (US$1,5m) in savings, saying it privileges the wealthy and would fail to tackle the root issues of illegal gambling.
