Thai casino plans put on ice as Cabinet refuses to roll the dice
The bill proposing a casino-entertainment complex was not taken up for deliberation by the Cabinet as anticipated, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. A public hearing is awaited before further action can be taken.
The 38 year old Thai PM emphasised the importance of not rushing the bill into law. She highlighted the need for public opinion and dissenting views to be considered.
The development comes as reporters queried the Thai PM about the government’s seemingly diminished interest in advancing the legislation.
PM Paetongtarn clarified that the government is cautious with the casino-entertainment complex proposal, as it is a new policy requiring comprehensive examination and study of relevant laws and regulations.
The Ministry of Finance is set to complete its public hearing on the bill by Friday. This delay follows an assurance by Prime Minister’s Office Minister Chousak Sirinil that the bill would be treated as an urgent matter.
The Thai prime minister also mentioned that the requirement for Thai citizens to have at least 50 million baht in their bank accounts for six months before entering the casino complexes would be further discussed.
Pakorn Nilpraphun, Secretary General of the Council of State, noted that the savings requirement remains unchanged.
Any changes to this condition would be the responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. The council has completed its review of the bill and returned it to the Cabinet Secretariat Office.
Pakorn stated that the council was free to make necessary amendments and denied any political interference during the review process.
The Cabinet is expected to review the bill once more before deciding on its approval. Simultaneously, a related bill aimed at amending the Gambling Act to permit certain types of online gambling is under consultation.
Relevant agencies are currently providing their input, after which the bill will be sent to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Protest groups, led by former red-shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan, gathered outside Government House yesterday, March 11, to voice their opposition to both the casino-entertainment complex bill and the proposed amendments to the Gambling Act, reported Bangkok Post.
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