Opposition parties and pressure groups have intensified calls to withdraw Thailand’s casino bill.
As reported by the Bangkok Post, the People’s Party and a coalition of civil groups gathered outside the country’s Government House to submit a petition to the currently suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
The groups argue that the bill, which seeks to bring casinos to Thailand via integrated resorts, will fuel social division and distract from more pressing issues relating to the economy, environmental crises and political instability.
Thanakorn Khomkrit, Secretary General of the Stop Gambling Foundation and leader of the coalition, argued that withdrawing the measures would help restore public confidence and prevent long-term social consequences.
Other advocates questioned the management structure of the proposed entertainment complexes and the lack of mechanisms for social accountability and provisions to mitigate potential harm to communities.
People’s Party MP and spokesperson Parit Wacharasindhu commented: “If the Government sincerely considered the concerns raised by opposition parties and segments of the public, it should withdraw the bill.”
Earlier this week, the cabinet failed to pass a resolution to withdraw the casino bill from Parliament’s agenda. As a result, it is now scheduled to be the first item debated when the House reconvenes on 9 July.
Leadership in limbo
Alongside the protests, the future of the bill is looking increasingly uncertain as political turmoil continues in Thailand following the suspension of Prime Minister Shinawatra.
Shinawatra, the driving force behind efforts to bring land-based gaming to Thailand, was suspended on Tuesday (1 July) by the country’s constitutional court following a petition to oust her from leadership.
She sparked nationwide outrage when a phone call with Cambodia’s former Premier Hun Sen was leaked, in which she appeared to criticise the actions of the Thai army in its continued border dispute with Cambodia.
Despite apologising for her actions, thousands of protestors gathered in Bangkok to call for her resignation. The Bhumjaithai Party also previously withdrew from Shinawatra’s coalition Government, leaving her with a razor-thin majority.
Shinawatra has 15 days to respond with evidence to support her case against the suspension. If she is removed from power, there will be major delays as Thailand prepares for an election to select a new leader, and it is unknown if her successor would show the same level of support for the bill.
