BJT Denies Casino Push in South

The Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party has denied claims that its proposed Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) bill would pave the way for casinos in southern Thailand. Chief government whip Korrawee Prissananantakul said the proposal focused solely on economic development, infrastructure and investment opportunities in the region.

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Writing on Facebook on Saturday, 9 May, Mr Korrawee said debate surrounding the SEC bill had been wrongly linked to the casino issue in an effort to attack the BJT and create confusion among the public, particularly residents in the South. He stated that the bill contained no references to “casino” or “entertainment complex”.

Mr Korrawee said there was “no hidden agenda” behind the proposal and compared the SEC concept to the development model used in the Eastern Economic Corridor. According to him, the bill aimed to improve economic growth, transport links and investment opportunities in southern provinces that had long been overlooked.

He also rejected claims that the BJT was attempting to fast-track the SEC bill through parliament. Mr Korrawee explained that all unfinished legislation expired when the previous House was dissolved, meaning the SEC bill no longer existed in the current parliament and had not been resubmitted for consideration.

The government’s Land Bridge project was also defended by Mr Korrawee, who said it was designed to strengthen the South’s long-term economic prospects. He said Ekniti Nitithanprapas had been assigned to conduct a feasibility study into the project’s value, viability and potential impact while ensuring participation from local communities.

The Land Bridge project has been promoted by the government as a major transport and logistics development linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Supporters say it could improve trade and investment, while critics have raised questions over environmental impact, transparency and possible commercial interests connected to the project.

Mr Korrawee said southern Thailand should no longer be treated as a neglected region, arguing that the area had strong potential in transport, logistics, tourism, trade and investment. He said development in the South had lagged behind other regions because opportunities had often been ignored in the past.

The Bangkokpost reported that he added that the BJT remained committed to improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunities across the South. Mr Korrawee also said criticism was acceptable in a democratic system, but accused opponents of distorting facts and spreading fear among the public through “half-truths”.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 11 May 2026

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