Picture courtesy: Naewna

 

In a decisive push against the introduction of casinos in Thailand, the Stop Gambling Foundation, alongside 200 partner organisations, is rallying to gather 50,000 signatures.

 

Their goal is to petition the current Pheu Thai-led government to reconsider plans to incorporate casinos within future entertainment complex projects. The coalition is also demanding that any decision on this matter be preceded by a public referendum, ensuring that citizens' voices are heard before action is taken.

 

At a recent press conference entitled "People Move Forward to Hunt for 50,000 Signatures, No to Casinos, Must Hold Referendum," held at the Miracle Grand Convention Hotel, representatives from various professions, including academics and students, voiced their concerns.

 

They argued that while large capitalists stand to benefit from the introduction of casinos, the broader population and the nation's economy could suffer negative repercussions.

 

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chittawan Chanagul from Kasetsart University's Faculty of Economics cautioned against relying on vice to drive economic policies. He highlighted that countries like China and the Philippines, despite facing similar economic temptations, have kept casinos illegal within their borders.

 

The stance of Chinese President Xi Jinping against domestic casinos demonstrates a commitment to economic integrity over short-term gains, he noted.

Dr. Chittawan emphasised the necessity of a referendum, much like what would be expected in any forward-thinking nation. He pointed out that no political party had campaigned on legalising casinos, making the current government's policy shift seem insincere.

 

Ms. Nattharin Kasemsanpipat, known affectionately as Ja-eh Oxygen of the Poor, added her voice to the debate, expressing concern that political campaigns had not previously addressed the casino issue.

 

She argued that bypassing a referendum undermines public opinion, stressing that the country fundamentally belongs to its people.

 

Mr. Thanakorn Komkrit, the secretary-general of the Stop Gambling Foundation, stated the urgency of their mission, with the petition calling for the government to initiate a referendum within 120 days of its receipt.

 

This collective action underscores the deep-seated opposition within segments of Thai society to the introduction of casinos, spotlighting the desire for transparent governance and public consultation in shaping national policy, reported Thai Newsroom. 

 

-- 2025-01-30

 

 

It's obviously all about money. No surprise there.

 

I wonder what will happen the next time when my gf plays cards with her friends for a few baht somewhere in a small village.

Likely the police will come again and arrest them or demand bribes because they gamble. What a joke!

 

They can collect 1 million signatures. It makes no difference if the right people already made a decision.

5 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

It's obviously all about money. No surprise there.

 

I wonder what will happen the next time when my gf plays cards with her friends for a few baht somewhere in a small village.

Likely the police will come again and arrest them or demand bribes because they gamble. What a joke!

 

Lots of people are bankrupting their families playing cards gor a few baht. Very adfictive, especially this pok deng game. Not innocent at all. 

2 minutes ago, KireB said:

Lots of people are bankrupting their families playing cards gor a few baht. Very adfictive, especially this pok deng game. Not innocent at all. 

And lots of adults, including my girlfriend, just pay it for fun from time to time.

 

Gambling in all kinds of forms, including the legal and illegal lotteries, is something millions and millions of Thais do all the time. Most of them enjoy it and don't bet the whole farm.

Making gambling legal was mentioned in Thai politics since decades. And now? Make it legal for expensive casinos and keep it illegal for Noi and Somchai?

Gambling, including casinos for everyday Thai people, should be properly regulated and taxed. And illegal loan sharks should go to jail.

That would be good for Thailand. But obviously that is not what the Shinawatras and their greedy lackeys want. 

37 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

And lots of adults, including my girlfriend, just pay it for fun from time to time.

 

Gambling in all kinds of forms, including the legal and illegal lotteries, is something millions and millions of Thais do all the time. Most of them enjoy it and don't bet the whole farm.

Making gambling legal was mentioned in Thai politics since decades. And now? Make it legal for expensive casinos and keep it illegal for Noi and Somchai?

Gambling, including casinos for everyday Thai people, should be properly regulated and taxed. And illegal loan sharks should go to jail.

That would be good for Thailand. But obviously that is not what the Shinawatras and their greedy lackeys want. 

It would be a total nightmare for Thailand. Just look in Cambodia what will happen. But gambling is great for Monaco, or Singapore? True, but those places are not corrupted to the core.

 

And do you really believe that people enjoy gambling, and consequently lose a lot money? The bank always wins, you know?

Gambling can be as bad for people as drugs.

Petitions that go straight into the bin

48 minutes ago, KireB said:

And do you really believe that people enjoy gambling, and consequently lose a lot money? The bank always wins, you know?

Gambling can be as bad for people as drugs.

Do you remember the bridge playing foreigner which the Thai police arrested a couple of years ago?

Was that really a big crime which had to be stopped?

Lots of Thai people like to play cards, in private, at home, with friends. If the police find out they will arrest the people or demand bribes. It seems often people only play for change. At the end of a night maybe they win or lose 1000B. Is that a crime which needs to be stopped?

 

Obviously, there are people who don't want to stop gambling. How to make sure they don't gamble and/or don't lose all their money? By letting them gamble in the thousands of illegal casinos in Thailand? Or would it make sense to make it legal and controll it?

 

The problem are obviously those influential people who own those illegal casinos which bring them lot of money.

 

 

On 1/30/2025 at 5:21 AM, KireB said:

It would be a total nightmare for Thailand. Just look in Cambodia what will happen. But gambling is great for Monaco, or Singapore? True, but those places are not corrupted to the core.

 

And do you really believe that people enjoy gambling, and consequently lose a lot money? The bank always wins, you know?

Gambling can be as bad for people as drugs.

They could implement a policy like Vietnam has.  No Vietnamese allowed on a casino gaming floor. 

 

Officially, they are allowed in, with proof of income, but unofficially they are not allowed on the gaming floor.  They are allowed in the bars, cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs, but not the gaming floor.

 

Seems to work well there.