Casino bill faces backlash over rushed approval without study
Opponents of the casino-entertainment complex have raised concerns about the government’s approach to advancing the project, suggesting it is being expedited without adequate public examination or a comprehensive feasibility study.
Their comments yesterday followed remarks by chief government whip Wisut Chainarun, who indicated that the entertainment complex bill, which received Cabinet approval on March 27, is expected to be reviewed by April 9.
Senator Veerasak Vijitsaengsri expressed on Facebook that the proposal is a contentious issue, with approximately 60% supporting it and 40% opposing it.
While the government asserted that the casino-entertainment complex proposal included a public hearing, Veerasak argued that public feedback was largely overlooked.
Veerasak also questioned the purported benefits of the scheme. Proponents claim it would increase state revenue, eliminate illegal gambling, and address bribery and corruption associated with unlawful gambling.
He noted that although the state might earn revenue from the project, the primary beneficiaries would be investors who prioritise profit over social consequences.
Regarding the issue of illegal gambling, Veerasak highlighted that underground lotteries persist despite various efforts, such as increasing government lottery ticket availability.
He also expressed doubts about the proposed 50 million baht bank account requirement, suggesting it would only attract wealthy individuals who already gamble legally abroad.
“I am not completely against it. But if revenue is the only focus, it would be too late to address social impacts.”
Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn identified irregularities in a recent survey by the Fiscal Policy Office on his Facebook page.
Survey
He noted that the survey, which involved 71,303 participants, showed nearly identical support levels for each aspect of the scheme, with 80.6% to 80.75% approval across all eight topics. Statistically, this implied that 57,500 out of 71,303 respondents provided the same answers, reported Bangkok Post.
“Even from Mars, the result looks improbable. Yet, the Cabinet believes it.”
In a social media post, Parit Wacharasindhu, a People’s Party MP, urged the public to scrutinise the government’s effort to fast-track the bill before the current parliamentary session ends on April 10. He highlighted that four meeting days remain in the session, with at least 11 urgent bills awaiting review.
“Let’s see what method will be used here to push the casino bill ahead of the others.”
Parit also criticised the absence of a feasibility study, which, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, is set to occur after the bill’s approval.
“Why after and not before? If the study suggests it should be dropped … won’t it be a waste of time?”
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