Jatuporn Threatens Street Protests Against Casino and Land Lease Plans

[webfact]

 

Jatuporn Prompan, the former leader of Thailand's red-shirt movement, has issued a stern warning to the current government concerning two contentious projects: the legalisation of casinos and the extension of land leases up to 99 years for foreign investors.

 

Jatuporn, while speaking at an event organised by Peace TV, a satellite television station, made it clear that he is prepared to mobilise protests if the government proceeds with these initiatives.

 

The event in question, held to celebrate Jatuporn's 59th birthday, was attended by a diverse audience comprising former red and yellow-shirt supporters along with student activists. Despite the celebratory occasion, the event quickly turned into a platform for serious dialogue about the country's direction, particularly in relation to the controversial plans on casinos and extensive land leases.

Jatuporn claims the government is poised to permit the establishment of eight casino complexes across the nation and lease approximately 300,000 rai, equivalent to 48,000 hectares, to a foreign conglomerate in the Ranong and Chumphon provinces. This land is earmarked for a massive project known as the "southern land bridge," intended to enhance economic development in the region.

 

Prompan, who has led significant protests in the past, declared his intention to bring demonstrators back to the streets of Bangkok should these projects receive governmental approval. He referenced his experience in 2010 when he spearheaded protests against then-Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, resulting in months of sustained demonstrations.

 

Nevertheless, former senator Wanchai Sornsiri, commenting via a YouTube channel, suggested that replicating past protest numbers might prove challenging for Jatuporn. He pointed out that many former protest leaders across both political divides are now affiliated with governmental roles, which could mitigate widespread support for fresh demonstrations, reported The Nation.

 

TOP: Jatuporn Prompan. File photo courtesy: Naewna

 

 

-- 2024-10-07

 

[Gottfrid]

Yeah, he is only looking for a way to get back home. Was a while since he was in jail now. Missing the food and friendship, I guess.

[daveAustin]

He’d never get those kinds of numbers or enthusiasm since many current and former Reds would be up for casinos. Let the place move on, dude!

[OneMoreFarang]

And who will pay for the protests this time?

Or do Thais now protest for free?

 

And regarding the casinos: Maybe he should tell us how this should work. Should all Thais, who gamble now illegally, stop gambling? Or does Jatuporn support illegal gambling or what?

[Hunz Kittisak]

Good to have protests 

Shows that democracy is alive and well 

[MikeandDow]

1 hour ago, Hunz Kittisak said:

Good to have protests 

Shows that democracy is alive and well 

What a laugh (democracy is alive and well )  What democracy !!! Thailand  is NOT a Democracy in you dreams

Edited 7 hours ago by MikeandDow

[hotchilli]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Jatuporn Prompan, the former leader of Thailand's red-shirt movement, has issued a stern warning to the current government concerning two contentious projects: the legalisation of casinos and the extension of land leases up to 99 years for foreign investors.

He really does need to get a life...

[john donson]

if any anti corruption agency here was not corrupt, should urgently check his unusual wealth

[bannork]

He's right about the casinos, I mean 'entertainment complexes' . Gambling has crippled many a Thai family, to legally encourage such a scourge shows moral as well as financial bankruptcy.

 

[MikeandDow]

9 minutes ago, bannork said:

He's right about the casinos, I mean 'entertainment complexes' . Gambling has crippled many a Thai family, to legally encourage such a scourge shows moral as well as financial bankruptcy.

 

so you are saying the rest of the world where casinos are allowed is morally a scourge  What a load of BS

[bannork]

6 minutes ago, MikeandDow said:

so you are saying the rest of the world where casinos are allowed is morally a scourge  What a load of BS

I'm talking about Thailand where gambling is a scourge.

[still kicking]

5 minutes ago, bannork said:

I'm talking about Thailand where gambling is a scourge.

Ban it for Thais like they do in Monaco for Monaco citizen.

[MikeandDow]

3 minutes ago, bannork said:

I'm talking about Thailand where gambling is a scourge.

Another poster who does not think before posting Gambling is a  disease and treatment if the person wants, up to the individual, and i am told Thailand is a democracy so should it not be looking after its people

[AustinRacing]

1 hour ago, bannork said:

He's right about the casinos, I mean 'entertainment complexes' . Gambling has crippled many a Thai family, to legally encourage such a scourge shows moral as well as financial bankruptcy.

 

Or could it be that he’s involved in illegal gambling enterprises, hence affecting his income?

[Peterphuket]

Funny, it's like a world turned upside down.

In the Netherlands they are busy closing casinos (because high tax) and here in LOS they are having trouble opening them.

[Will B Good]

 

Should be interesting.....

 

....."Hell hath no fury like a Thai politician who might be prevented from getting his/her snout in the trough".

[Enoon]

1 hour ago, MikeandDow said:

Another poster who does not think before posting Gambling is a  disease and treatment if the person wants, up to the individual, and i am told Thailand is a democracy so should it not be looking after its people

 

Casinos will facilitate the spread of the disease.

 

Those responsible for facilitating its spread will do nothing to facilitate treatment of the disease.

 

Those responsible intend to look after nobody except themselves.

 

The notion that building casinos is "looking after its people" is ludicrous.