Thai government sets 50-day deadline for casino bill review
The government has tasked the Council of State with a 50-day deadline to complete the review of the entertainment complex bill before it proceeds to the House for consideration. It asserts that a referendum is unnecessary since the policy has already received parliamentary approval.
Pakorn Nilprapunt, the secretary-general of the council, stated yesterday that the government has stressed the urgency of the bill, underscoring the 50-day review period as agreed by the Cabinet. When asked about the possibility of a referendum to gauge public opinion, he clarified that this decision rests with the government, as the council lacks the authority to mandate it.
Pakorn added that if the government believes the bill significantly impacts the public, it may choose to consider public opinions. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai dismissed calls for a referendum, highlighting that while the government welcomes public input on this and other policies, any delay could adversely affect the economy. He emphasised that entertainment complexes are vital to the government’s economic stimulus efforts.
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been advocating the potential of these complexes during his campaign across the country. Addressing critics of legalised gambling, he noted that the casino portion of each complex would constitute 10% or less. Phumtham’s comments followed his chairing of the weekly Cabinet meeting in the absence of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
Phumtham reiterated there is no need for a referendum, as the entertainment complex policy has already been declared and approved by Parliament.
“The policy has been made public and approved in Parliament by representatives of the people. So, what’s the point of seeking public approval on it again?”
Parit Wacharasindhu, a spokesperson for the People’s Party, stressed the importance of public scrutiny of the bill to identify any potentially harmful elements that could otherwise go unnoticed. While the opposition does not oppose legalising underground businesses for better regulation, Parit called for assurances that the bill would not cause more harm than good.
Parit highlighted the need for clarity on the revenue mechanisms from the casinos within the entertainment complexes. The bill should specify how much of the anticipated revenue should be allocated to the central government and whether local administrative organisations in the same areas should receive a portion of the funds. Additionally, Parit underscored the necessity for transparency and fairness in the bidding process for licences, as well as strategies to mitigate any negative impacts of legalising casinos, reported Bangkok Post.
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