Thai tourism industry joins calls for referendum on casino bill
The Thai Hotels Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents advise against fast-tracking the proposed legislation.
Thailand.- The tourism sector is calling on the Thai government to take time in reviewing proposed casino legalisation. The Thai Hotels Association and the Association of Thai Travel Agents have raised concerns over potential public backlash amid increasing political tension.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association, believes that proceeding without public consultation may intensify opposition to casinos. He has joined calls for a referendum if the legislation moves forward.
“If the government decides to rush this project, they should let the public voice their opinion via a referendum,” he said.
He noted that the tourism sector has faced disruption due to three new tourism and sports ministers in the past three cabinet reshuffles and that even if issues are resolved with former coalition partner, the Bhumjaithai Party, the government might be dissolved before its four-year term. As such, the industry is more concerned with economic and regional stability than the rapid advance of contentious legislation.
The Bangkok Post also reported that Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, an advisory chairman at the Association of Thai Travel Agents, said the political situation has weakened economic confidence. He said: “We are dealing with more serious issues, such as the border dispute with Cambodia. Yet the government still wants to spend time on internal political conflicts rather than the national interest.”
