Thailand’s voters say no to legalisation of casinos and e-cigarettes

A recent survey conducted by the Center of Alcohol Studies (CAS) across 12 provinces in Thailand revealed that the majority of citizens do not want the government to gamble on their health and fortune, rejecting the legalisation of casinos and e-cigarettes.

The CAS yesterday held a meeting in Bangkok to discuss the report’s findings with family and youth networks urging political parties, and electioneering prior to the May General Election, to avoid policies that support the legalisation of potentially harmful substances and social vices such as casinos.

The survey, which sought the opinions of voters aged 18 and over earlier this month in 12 provinces, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, and Khon Kaen, revealed that most respondents were against moves to legalise e-cigarettes and casinos as part of an entertainment complex.

The CAS director, Sawitri Assanangkornchai, stated that most respondents also opposed proposals to liberalize liquor production, Bangkok Post reported.

She said…

“Most respondents also opposed proposals to liberalise liquor production.”

The survey found that 64% of respondents disagreed with extending liquor sales periods during the day and any expansion of alcohol production.

The survey also found that 70% of respondents were against the legalization of casinos, and 64% did not agree with making e-cigarettes legal. Furthermore, 56% of respondents said that the decriminalization of cannabis was unacceptable, although 65% supported using the plant for medicinal purposes. The survey also found that 37% of respondents would not vote for any party advocating a policy to legalize vices.

Nualnoi Treerat, director of the Center for Gambling Studies, expressed concern over proposals to build entertainment complexes to house casinos, which some MPs see as a potential tourist drawcard. She said…

“We have to draw the line and say vices must not be normalised because they have far-reaching ramifications. They cannot be made legal.”

The CAS survey sent a clear message to political parties in Thailand to avoid promoting policies that support the legalization of potentially harmful substances and social vices.

As the May General Election approaches, it remains to be seen whether politicians will heed this message and avoid policies that could have negative consequences for the citizens of Thailand.