Politics Thai Casino Controversy: Entertainment Bill Delayed Amid Confusion

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia

 

The Thai government has put the brakes on the hotly debated Integrated Entertainment Complex Bill. Originally set for a July 9 reading, the decision comes amid widespread public misunderstanding. Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri clarified that the bill emphasises economic promotion, with only 10% concerning casinos.

 

Amid rising public concern, the government intends to offer clearer communication about the bill's true focus on economic benefits through exhibitions and events. Manaporn stressed the need for better public engagement to prevent further confusion.

 

Government whip Wisut Chainarun echoed these sentiments, noting the essential role of public understanding before the bill can proceed.

 

Political distractions, including reshuffles and tensions with Cambodia, have hindered outreach efforts. Wisut highlighted the missed opportunity for public engagement activities in June, suggesting a delay may be necessary as these issues are addressed.

 

The bill's postponement aims to ensure citizens’ concerns are heard and integrated into legislative adjustments.

 

Interestingly, the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia spotlight the casino debate, as numerous casinos along the border reportedly attract Thai nationals.

 

Wisut pointed to these realities as a possible rationale supporting the bill’s intent. However, he advocated for a cautious approach, suggesting focusing on other pressing legislative issues first.

 

Key items await Parliament’s attention, including village health volunteer policies, defence reforms, and integrated ticketing.

 

Wisut emphasised approaching these "softer issues" first, awaiting a calmer political climate to revisit the complex bill. By prioritising clear communication and public input, the government aims to ensure the bill reflects citizens’ interests without further controversies.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-06-26

 

 

[Geoffggi]

39 minutes ago, webfact said:

Wisut emphasised approaching these "softer issues" first, awaiting a calmer political climate to revisit the complex bill. By prioritising clear communication and public input, the government aims to ensure the bill reflects citizens’ interests without further controversies.

 

Prioritising what the true intensions of the government would be more interesting, the people have voiced their views but obviously they do not align with what the government (or Thaksin) would like to see.

[ikke1959]

Again a misunderstanding? It is a word that is very popular in Thailand... Good that the bill is delayed, as it will only benefit one family and hopefully the daughter as PM will not survive the non confident bill...

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

The Thai government has put the brakes on the hotly debated Integrated Entertainment Complex Bill. Originally set for a July 9 reading, the decision comes amid widespread public misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding... you mean you don't understand, you will have it forced through regardless of public opinion.

[john smith]

So, when you cut through the plethora  of meaningless words what emerges is that the government is saving face but can not actually  admit that the casino idea is defunct .The ministers are slithering away quietly.

[newbee2022]

Scrap it.

Casinos is the last what Thai people need.

Only some moguls smell the money what is in this business.

[Scouse123]

It's about time they either passed it or binned it forever. 

 

Instead, it just keeps coming up every year or so, a bit like the one rai of land for foreign investors to own and build a house on.

[wavodavo]

18 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Scrap it.

Casinos is the last what Thai people need.

Only some moguls smell the money what is in this business.

When you look at the picture of the roulette wheel the marble has landed on Zero which means   that's what the Thai people will gain from casinos.Youu have just gotta look what happened in Cambodia. Sihanoukville is absolutely destroyed since they let the Chinese in with dozens of Casinos and 120 highrise buildings not finished and abandoned. The government won't be able to resist the big money Chinese gamblers and all the problems that come with it.

[LudwigK]

Confusion 😁

WER bekommt welchen Anteil?!

[newbee2022]

7 minutes ago, wavodavo said:

When you look at the picture of the roulette wheel the marble has landed on Zero which means   that's what the Thai people will gain from casinos.Youu have just gotta look what happened in Cambodia. Sihanoukville is absolutely destroyed since they let the Chinese in with dozens of Casinos and 120 highrise buildings not finished and abandoned. The government won't be able to resist the big money Chinese gamblers and all the problems that come with it.

That's what mean

[khunjeff]

On 6/26/2025 at 9:11 AM, webfact said:

the government intends to offer clearer communication about the bill's true focus on economic benefits through exhibitions and events

 

Ah, yes, the "true focus". So then they can just cut the casino part out from the bill, and concentrate on the all-important "exhibitions and events", right? Right...?? Yeah, I didn't think so.

[kuzmabruk]

Confusion.   The hallmark of Thai politics, culture and life in general.   That is what makes it fun living here.  

[Scouse123]

Any talk about exhibitions and events is to ' flower up ' and make casinos palatable in the application, which is the true nature of what they are seeking, to benefit a ' FEW ' and certainly not the Thai people.

[newnative]

Talk, talk, talk.  Only that.