Parliamentary debate on Thai casino bill postponed
The government said there are other priorities in the wake of US tariffs and last month’s earthquake.
Thailand.- The government of Thailand has postponed the parliamentary debate on the bill to legalise casino resorts in the country. Prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said that the government was focusing on the issue of the US imposing a 36 per cent tariff on Thai goods and the aftermath of last month’s earthquake.
The draft casino legislation, approved by cabinet on March 27, was expected to be debated today (April 9). Deputy finance minister Julapun Amornvivat had expressed confidence that it would pass its first reading. Shinawatra said the bill will be reintroduced in the next parliamentary session.
The draft bill would allow entertainment complexes with casinos in designated areas operated by companies registered in Thailand with a minimum paid-up capital of THB10bn (US$283m). A policy panel led by the prime minister and a regulatory agency would oversee the industry. The government would consider what types of projects and offerings would be considered. Casinos would occupy less than 10 per cent of each complex.
The proposed legislation stipulates that Thais wanting to access a casino would be required to pay a fee of THB5,000 (US$150) and show proof of at least THB50m (US$1.5m) in fixed deposits. Amornvivat had criticised the measure, which would exclude most citizens, but said it was decided to keep it in the bill and make possible amendments later.
While the government defends the bill, arguing it could generate employment and increase tourist spending, opposition continues to grow. A group of about 100 civil society organisations, which includes religious, youth, family, and education organisations, has warned of negative effects. It says the cabinet has rushed approval and ignored the concerns of lawmakers, academics and the public.
An online survey conducted by the Ministry of Finance from February 28 to March 14 found that among 70,000 people, 80 per cent backed the country’s proposed casino legislation. However, a more recent poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) showed that many Thais have concerns about possible negative impacts.
See also: Thai Fiscal Policy Office issues 12-point statement backing casino bill
