Pheu Thai Pushes On with Casino Legalisation Amidst Coalition Resistance

[webfact]

 

Pheu Thai remains confident in its ability to persuade its coalition partner, Bhumjaithai Party, to support the legalisation of casinos, despite Bhumjaithai’s recent opposition.

 

The bill, championed by Pheu Thai, aims to legalise casinos as part of a larger initiative to create regional entertainment complexes to attract investment.

 

Hours before his removal as prime minister by the Constitutional Court, Srettha Thavisin expressed optimism that Pheu Thai could eventually convince Bhumjaithai to back the bill.

 

Acknowledging the controversial nature of legalising casinos, Srettha emphasised the need for further discussions with coalition parties to align their views. He stated that a consensus among all parties is essential before presenting the bill to the House, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The Entertainment Complex Business Operation Bill, which received Cabinet approval in April, is currently in the midst of an online public hearing process organised by the Ministry of Finance, running from August 2 to 18.

 

"The debate over whether to legalise gambling has been ongoing for decades," remarked Srettha. He further expressed Pheu Thai’s goal to regulate gambling by making it a legal activity and his confidence that Bhumjaithai would eventually support the bill.

 

However, Bhumjaithai outlined four key reasons for opposing the bill. Firstly, they argued that legalising casinos would not address the issue of illegal gambling and might exacerbate gambling-related problems.

 

Secondly, they questioned the financial benefits to the state and private sector from taxing casinos, suggesting that they do not justify the investment.

 

Thirdly, the party contended that using casinos to boost tourism is impractical given Thailand’s existing array of renowned attractions. Lastly, they criticised the bill for not adequately addressing how entertainment complexes would provide job security for Thai workers.

 

Somkid Chueakong, former deputy secretary-general to Srettha, mentioned that state agencies would respond to any questions from Bhumjaithai or other coalition parties about the bill. He expressed hope that this would help reconcile differing opinions.

 

The bill also faces opposition from the two main opposition parties, the People’s Party and the Democrat Party. Rangsiman Rome, a People’s Party MP, voiced concerns that the entertainment complex scheme could be mismanaged, potentially turning Thailand into a new hub for money laundering by shady international businesses.

 

He also mentioned rumours of individuals lobbying for licences to operate entertainment complexes with casinos.

 

The outcome of these discussions and the public hearing process will determine the future of the bill and whether it can garner enough support to move forward.

 

TOP Casino file photo courtesy: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-08-15

 

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[Pouatchee]

will there be a crack in the coalition dam?

 

i certainly hope so... i just hope the people party can get their affairs sorted asap and become a pebble in a shoe for pu_e thai and the shi_awat dynasty

[ikke1959]

Same with other things.. nothing will be achieved as long as the conservatives get their grip on the power

[spidermike007]

Any investor would have to be insane to invest in a casino here, knowing how many flip-flops the government here makes, and knowing how incredibly undependable they are. Just look at what happened with the ganga industry and the reversal after billions of baht were invested, and just look at what happened next door in Cambodia where the government changed its policy on gambling and hundreds of buildings were abandoned by the Chinese. 

 

 

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Acknowledging the controversial nature of legalising casinos, Srettha emphasised the need for further discussions with coalition parties to align their views.

Christmas bonus and gifts up for negotiations.

[kingstonkid]

argued that legalising casinos would not address the issue of illegal gambling and might exacerbate gambling-related problems.

 

Only if the government does not address it.  Consider that gambling off-track and or by book is still illegal in all cities that have casinos and is monitored by the local Police.  (oops that might be a problem)

 

People here are always going to bet the gambling problem here is because of lack of education and lack of enforcement.

 

Laws can be written in but ultimately it is how strongly they are enforced that matters.  Vape  and sex toys are illegal but just walk along Suk in NANA.

Prostituion is illegal and thank god they cleaned up NANA, Cowboy, Patpong, Walking street and Beach Road and got rid of it

 

Secondly, they questioned the financial benefits to the state and private sector from taxing casinos, suggesting that they do not justify the investment.

 

Take a look at the taxs in the cities and provinces, states that have casinos and you will see that there is a HUGE amount of income from licenced establishments.  Consider tht Nevada does not have a state income tax.  Wonder why?

 

Thirdly, the party contended that using casinos to boost tourism is impractical given Thailand’s existing array of renowned attractions.

 

What array of renowned attractions? People who come to see the temples usually do not spend a lot of money.  What attractions are there in Bangkok for Pattaya at night for a man or woman without a family?  Also, there is nothing to say that the casino or entertainment complex can not or will not add features to attract non-players.  

 

Lastly, they criticised the bill for not adequately addressing how entertainment complexes would provide job security for Thai workers.

 

They may be right about this one. While casinos will want to hire locals because it is easier and cheaper, there will be an issue finding people capable of doing things other than cleaning. First, people working at a casino will have to speak English and/or Chinese at a level higher than most school teachers. They will also have to be able to do math (addition and subtraction) in their heads.   They are going to have to be screen-checked and drug tested by the establishment security, which will be Thai at least to start.  Also how do you say that Thais wanting to come into the caseion have pay extra and hire Thais to work in the casino?

 

The bottom line is that if you bring in one of the major players, Caesars, MGM Hard Rock, or Wynn, they will make sure that there are no issues because their name and Nevada license could be on the hook.

 

But the bottom line is going to be, can they trust the government and politicians to keep their fingers and envelopes out of their way?

 

Har rock may have an inside as they have the land also I could see Tiffany's possibly getting into it they also have the land and could simply add on to their present entertainment building.

 

 

[Deserted]

So some chance it may not go through and happen then?

[nakhonandy]

Another idea where only the rich Thai benefit, can't see the average Thai gaining from this.

[Will B Good]

Friday: Pheu Thai Pushes On with Casino Legalisation Amidst Coalition Resistance

Monday: Pheu Thai agrees with Coalition and cancels Casino Legislation

Tuesday: Pheu Thai Pushes On with Casino Legalisation Amidst Coalition Resistance

[Dogmatix]

I am sure this will run into serious trouble.  We haven't even seen the standard backlash from the radical Buddhist groups regarding this sinful pursuit.  Someone will whip them up for political purposes soon.  They were very forceful about the listing of Thai Beverage (Charoen the whisky tycoon's business) on the SET which would have had zero impact on society and got the listing transferred to Singapore where the stock has languished for years.  Casinos are likely to cause a lot of problems and there will be huge corruption and weak law enforcement.