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

[snoop1130]

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

 

 

[Franky0815]

It would be nice if people in Thailand fought as meticulously for schools and education as they do for casinos.

[klauskunkel]

A compromised Senate (vote rigging) seeks insight from a compromised PM (Thaksin)

[bkk6060]

14 minutes ago, Franky0815 said:

It would be nice if people in Thailand fought as meticulously for schools and education as they do for casinos.

Yes.  Schools, education and driving lessons would probably make more economic gains then casinos and save lives.

[kiwikeith]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

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

 

 

Chinese will flock to the casinos just as they did in NZ, and Thais as well Europeans stay away from casinos in NZ because they're overrun by the Chinese and other Asian people who seem to have a easy developed addiction to gamble 

It's going to be a disaster for Thailand, Thai people will suffer. 

[JJ-Thailand]

Thai greed! 

I think we all know who will make the most money, probably already bought the land where the casinos will be located.

[Trippy]

1 hour ago, JJ-Thailand said:

Thai greed! 

I think we all know who will make the most money, probably already bought the land where the casinos will be located.

Only 10% of some entertainment complex will be a casino, couple that with the exorbitant initial license fee plus a huge yearly fee, makes it a losing proposition. 

[Callmeishmael]

18 minutes ago, Trippy said:

Only 10% of some entertainment complex will be a casino, couple that with the exorbitant initial license fee plus a huge yearly fee, makes it a losing proposition. 

I think you mean: 10% of the complex will be crowded and busy, 90% will be practically empty! 😉

[hotchilli]

The Casinos will go ahead, just biding time for the announcement.

[LivingNThailand]

40 minutes ago, Callmeishmael said:

90% will be practically empty! 😉

Just like Central Floresta in Phuket.   That side of the shopping center is filled with high end shops that are empty.  The fun side of the shopping center, Central Festival with the mid level shops, is packed.

[Trippy]

1 hour ago, Callmeishmael said:

I think you mean: 10% of the complex will be crowded and busy, 90% will be practically empty! 😉

Yes, exactly. And still have to build and staff the 90%. The small casino is a losing proposition. 

[Xonax]

3 hours ago, LivingNThailand said:

Just like Central Floresta in Phuket.   That side of the shopping center is filled with high end shops that are empty.  The fun side of the shopping center, Central Festival with the mid level shops, is packed.

Correction:  Just like Central Floresta in Phuket every shopping mall in Thailand.