Thai opposition pressures government to scrap casino legalisation bill
Opposition parties and civic groups aim to block the Entertainment Complex Bill.
Thailand.- Opposition parties, backed by civic organisations, are calling for the withdrawal of Thailand’s Entertainment Complex Bill. The project has faced increasing resistance amid political turbulence, including the recent suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court.
The People’s Party and other opposition groups argue that the bill lacks public backing and should not proceed. Thanakorn Khomkrit of the Stop Gambling Foundation submitted a petition to Pheu Thai Party leader Shinawatra, urging the party to include the proposal in its electoral platform instead of fast-tracking it through parliament. He also advocated for a national referendum.
At a recent press conference, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut announced a unified front among five opposition parties to apply parliamentary pressure to halt the bill’s progression. The coalition aims to prevent the government from reintroducing the measure.
The push against the bill comes amid broader opposition plans, including constitutional reforms, a general amnesty for political prisoners and the potential for a no-confidence motion against the government. The country awaits a court ruling on whether Shinawatra’s suspension will become permanent.
