Thailand’s entertainment bill faces opposition over complex plan

The Government of Thailand’s proposed entertainment complex bill has faced significant opposition from both the coalition Bhumjaithai and the opposition Democrat parties, with critics arguing that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits.

Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob voiced the party’s objections after a coalition meeting yesterday, August 13, highlighting four main concerns. According to Chaichanok, the bill would not effectively address illegal gambling and might exacerbate gambling issues in both the new legal sector and the underground grey market.

Additionally, Chaichanok argued that the financial benefits projected for state and public funds do not justify the required investment. He questioned the necessity of using casinos to boost tourism, given Thailand’s existing array of renowned attractions.

“The bill also lacks clear provisions on how Thai workers would secure jobs in the new complexes.”

In parallel, Chaichana Detdecho, Deputy Secretary-General of the Democrat Party, called for a reconsideration of the bill. He questioned whether Thailand could emulate the success of gambling hubs like Macau, Vietnam, or Singapore.

“The Democrat Party will not support this bill.”

Chaichana suggested that the government could raise national revenue by legalising and taxing long-existing underground lotteries instead.

Suchatvee Suwansawat, Deputy Leader of the Democrat Party, expressed his concerns on Facebook following the coalition meeting on National Mother’s Day. He criticised gambling as detrimental to family values and doubted the potential to attract foreign tourists to Thai casinos, given the availability of similar facilities in neighbouring countries.

“These casinos would eventually have to target Thais as customers.”

Suchatvee also noted the failures of integrated entertainment complexes in neighbouring countries, where promises of local employment were largely unmet, save for a few hundred low-level jobs. Suchatvee highlighted the link between casinos and severe crimes, especially money laundering, near the Thai border, suggesting that such activities are difficult to control.

A source revealed that the Entertainment Complex project, endorsed in principle by the cabinet in April, aims to stimulate the economy as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin embarks on his second year in office, reported Bangkok Post.