Former constitution drafters, doctors, and economic lecturers have expressed strong opposition to the Thai government’s casino bill, warning that it could devastate the nation and its citizens.
A group of fifty individuals who helped draft the 2007 constitution, led by Prof. Jarun Pakdeethanakul, issued an open letter to the parliament president and other members of parliament, which was unveiled on Sunday.
The letter argues that parliament should dismiss the government’s proposal for an entertainment complex, which was scheduled for discussion on Wednesday.
The drafters pointed out that the bill, which proposes the legalization of casinos, was never part of the campaign promises made by the ruling Pheu Thai Party and its coalition partners but rather reflects the agenda of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
The group asserts that the bill is at odds with national development goals that emphasize a sufficiency economy, a key component of the national strategies and a directive from the monarchy.
Concerning state assets, the group expressed concerns that state-owned land would be converted into entertainment complexes, effectively granting private entities control over public land for their own gain, contrary to the principles of state property development.
The group also argued that the bill would not address the country’s economic challenges or benefit its citizens but would instead favor foreign casino developers at the expense of increased crime and social issues at various levels.
Additionally, twenty-seven doctors from Chiang Mai University’s 15th graduating class have voiced their opposition to the bill, emphasizing that Thailand’s valuable natural resources and cultural heritage could be jeopardized by the introduction of casinos, which pose significant risks to future generations.
Upcoming Protest
Wirangrong Dabbaransi, leader of the Network of Universities for Reform, has called for a gathering at Chulalongkorn University on Tuesday to protest the bill.
Economic lecturers from Thammasat University have criticized the bill, highlighting that the planned entertainment complexes, centered around casinos, would likely lead to extensive and enduring social issues, while any economic benefits would be fleeting.
The lecturers also warned that casinos would increase crime rates and bring numerous problems to families and children, jeopardizing their futures.
Furthermore, the lecturers noted that these entertainment complexes and casinos would provide an easy avenue for criminal elements to launder money.
The group concluded by stating that if the government insists on advancing this bill, it would prove itself unworthy of governance.
