Thai groups opposing the Entertainment Complex Bill gathered outside the parliament on Wednesday, urging the government to not just delay but completely retract their casino legislation.
The parliamentary debate regarding the proposed bill, which aims to legalize casinos, was postponed to a later date. Instead, the focus shifted to debate the recent crisis brought on by the US imposing a 36% tariff on imports from Thailand and the aftermath of last month’s catastrophic earthquake.
On Wednesday, Wisut Chainarun, the chief government whip, stated that the delay of the casino bill did not mean it would be permanently shelved.
He added that this doesn’t guarantee the bill’s priority in the upcoming parliamentary session.
Although there was consensus among coalition parties, it was crucial for the government to engage and understand public sentiment.
“Differences of opinion are normal in a democracy, and it is essential to foster public understanding,” he noted.
Protesters wearing white shirts, waving Thai flags and signs against the bill, marched to the parliament on Wednesday, demanding the government abandon its casino legalization plans.
Pichit Chaimongkol, leader of the Network of Students and People for Thailand’s Reform, said despite government claims of prioritizing an integrated entertainment complex, the inclusion of a casino remains a significant aspect. He argued that legalizing casinos would be harmful to both the people and the country.
He also raised concerns about the government hastily pushing the legislation possibly due to private interests linked to the project.
“Our objective is to stop the casino. If the bill is not withdrawn, our group will take action to stop the government,” declared Warong Dechgitvigrom, leader of the Thai Pakdee Party.
The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bangkok, Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, also recently made an appeal to the government, opposing the casino proposal.
He reiterated his stance against casinos, citing potential social issues, although he had no objections to other forms of entertainment suitable for all demographics.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, in a meeting with top government officials on Wednesday, suggested that the opposition to the bill likely stemmed from political gamesmanship, with critics misrepresenting the purpose of the entertainment complex.
“The casino will occupy only 10% of the entertainment complex. It’s not about allowing anyone to open a casino anywhere, turning the country into a land full of casinos. That’s simply not true,” she said.
