Civil group pushes for casino referendum with 50,000 signatures
A civil network has initiated a campaign to collect signatures for a referendum on the potential legalisation of casinos in the country. Thanakorn Komkris, Secretary General of the Stop Gambling Foundation, stated that the network aims to collect a minimum of 50,000 signatures to prompt a referendum for public input on the matter.
Previously, the foundation launched an online petition concerning the Entertainment Complex Bill, which the Pheu Thai Party is advocating. More than 70,000 individuals have opposed the bill through this petition.
The network considers the legalisation of casinos a significant issue with potential negative impacts on society, thus justifying the need for a referendum where citizens can decide the project’s future. The bill is set to be presented to Parliament and, if approved, it would permit several casino-entertainment complexes to open nationwide.
Thanakorn highlighted the contrast between the government’s stance and public perception, noting that while the government may not deem it a major issue, the public views it as having broader social implications for future generations.
Once the 50,000 signatures are collected, they will be submitted alongside a petition for the referendum to the Election Commission (EC). The EC will then verify the signatories’ qualifications, which could take up to 30 days. Following verification, the EC will forward the information to the Cabinet through its secretariat.
According to Thanakorn, the Referendum Act stipulates that the Cabinet cannot reject the petition, it can only acknowledge it and set a date for the referendum.
Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai previously dismissed the necessity of a referendum on the bill. He mentioned that while the government is open to policy feedback, delays could affect the economy, as these entertainment complexes are pivotal to the government’s economic stimulation efforts.
The government has tasked the Council of State, its legal arm, with a 50-day deadline to review the entertainment complex bill before forwarding it for parliamentary deliberation. It maintains that a referendum is unnecessary since the policy has already been ratified by Parliament.
Pakorn Nilprapunt, the council Secretary General, stated that the government has prioritised the bill, emphasising the 50-day review period agreed upon in principle by the Cabinet.
When questioned about the possibility of a referendum to gauge public opinion, he said that the decision rests with the government, which might consider it if the bill is perceived as a threat, reported Bangkok Post.
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