Report Senate Committee Seeks PM's Insight on Casino Bill as Confusion Reigns

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Photo courtesy of Bloomberg News

 

The special Senate committee reviewing the controversial casino-entertainment complex bill in Thailand is contemplating inviting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss the bill's intentions next week. Led by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, the committee plans its second session today, following the initial meeting on April 23. Despite prior rumours, Dr Veerapun clarified that the Prime Minister was not expected at today's meeting.

 

Confusion ensued regarding the meeting's agenda, with Dr Veerapun expressing surprise over leaked details, noting the agenda's finalisation is pending. The notion of inviting an "outsider," potentially including the Prime Minister or pertinent ministers, is reserved for the upcoming meeting on May 15, aiming to garner more comprehensive insights into the proposed casino-entertainment initiative.

 

Today's session primarily aims to establish a study framework and form sub-committees, with project evaluation expected to take 180 days. Sources assert the creation of at least two sub-committees focusing on the economic and social impacts of the project.

 

The government has deferred the casino-entertainment complex bill to the next parliamentary session, beginning 2nd July. Originally destined for discussion in the House of Representatives on 9th April, the bill faced opposition on its fast-tracked process. Critics have forewarned that persistently advocating the bill might breach ethical boundaries.

 

Tourism industry leaders have voiced concerns that legalising casinos and online gambling might deter Chinese tourists—a vital market for Thailand. These concerns were raised during a recent censure debate targeting the Thai Prime Minister.

 

The opposition People's Party has argued that gambling legalisation was never promised by the ruling Pheu Thai Party during election campaigns. They warn that such moves might jeopardise Thailand's tourism sector by dissuading Chinese visitors, given potential disapproval from the Chinese government towards gambling legalisation.

 

The unfolding debate reflects broader anxieties over Thailand's tourism reliance and ethical governance, as the government navigates these sensitive waters with economic and social stakes at hand.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-08