House Bets On Legal Casinos

[george]

PM'S PET PROJECT: House bets on legal casinos

MPs approve report that pros outweigh cons

BANGKOK: The House of Representatives yesterday voted overwhelming in favour of legalising casinos, following a heated debate.

MPs voted 216-23, with one abstention, to approve a report on allowing casino operations prepared by the House committee on banking, finance and monetary affairs.

Five benefits and three drawbacks were listed.

Casinos were seen as generating revenue for state coffers from taxes and fees and attracting foreign tourists and their greenbacks while keeping local gamblers from patronising border casinos.

They would eliminate many of the social ills and criminal activities associated with underground gambling dens, which would reduce the burden of police, while creating more jobs.

On the other hand, without efficient measures to regulate casinos, they could produce social problems. Casinos could also nurture a gambling habit among youngsters and lead to a rise in crime.

A recent nationwide opinion poll of 5,800 people aged 18 years and up by the National Statistics Office showed that 54 per cent were against the proposed opening of a government-run entertainment complex and casino, while 30 per cent supported it. Almost 16 per cent had no comment.

Yesterday's deliberation on the proposed casino legalisation started with committee chairman MP Burin Hirunburana introducing the report's findings.

He told the floor that his panel concluded that legalising casinos would help stamp out illegitimate businesses involved in outlawed gambling. The committee recommended that the government educate the public that the difference between a casino and a gambling den is that a casino, located within an entertainment centre, is a form of recreation.

The committee report also cited findings of another public opinion poll in which 52 per cent supported the idea of legalising casinos.

Many government MPs then spoke out in support.

Thai Rak Thai MP Pinit Chantarasurin said people should be given a choice. Many developed countries and even Muslim nations like Malaysia allow casinos, he said.

Democrat and Chat Pattana MPs expressed opposition.

Democrat MP Withaya Kaewparadai said the committee's report appeared to be in favour of legalising casinos. Democrat MP Suwaroj Palang questioned the credibility of the survey, in which 2,700 people were polled.

Chat Pattana MP Winai Sompong told yesterday's session that the government's duty was to curb vices such as gambling, not promote them.

--The Nation 2004-03-19

[englishoak]

And the rich get richer !

[Moving]

I guess the PM still has some family members in need of government jobs..or perhaps some of his telecom cronies.

I'm somewhat surprised that one of the reasons for legalizing gambling was to rid the country of ill-legal gambling...seems the same thought process could be applied to prostitution and drugs??? Theoretically you can make anything legal if you legalize it???

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I guess the PM still has some family members in need of government jobs..or perhaps some of his telecom cronies.

I'm somewhat surprised that one of the reasons for legalizing gambling was to rid the country of ill-legal gambling...seems the same thought process could be applied to prostitution and drugs??? Theoretically you can make anything legal if you legalize it???

Dear Leader's family will get the franchises. I mean, who else can the man trust to do the job properly ? Fair is Fair