NRC group proposes legalising casinos in Thailand

[webfact]

NATIONAL REFORM COUNCIL
NRC group proposes legalising casinos
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- A SMALL group of National Reform Council members has called for casinos to be legalised in Thailand, citing the presence of booming casinos over the border in neighbouring countries. They said Pattaya was the logical location for one.

Major Arnun Watcharothai and Kriangkrai Phumlaochaeng said yesterday that the casino-revival plan was backed by a dozen NRC members, including themselves.

They pointed to the benefits the country would reap - additional spending and tax revenue from foreign visitors and high-rollers who currently have to head to neighbouring countries to gamble.

Past governments, including the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, had floated the prospect of granting concessions to investors to develop such entertainment and gaming complexes in Thailand, but the proposal ran into strong domestic opposition.

Calling themselves a group of "NRC members who love Thailand", they said a formal proposal would be submitted soon to the government.

Arnun said the group was aware of the previous unsuccessful attempts to seek government permits for such complexes but believed that there would be significant economic spin-offs from this new proposal because Bangkok, for example, is a major tourist destination with millions of foreign visitors per year. The entertainment and casino facilities could be used as new attractions to boost tourism revenue.

There are now 22 casino facilities in neighbouring countries, with plans to open more in the next three or four years, he said, adding that the border areas in countries such as Cambodia would become a new gambling magnet similar to Las Vegas in the US.

Arnun said 80 per cent of punters in these places were Thais, so legalising casinos in Thailand would plug the leakage of foreign exchange from the country.

At this stage, Pattaya in Chon Buri province is among the suitable places for the government to consider for hosting casino operations.

Critics often argue that Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, so the government should not legalise gambling, which is a sin, but some neighbouring countries, including those whose citizens are mainly Muslim, legally allow the operation of entertainment and casino complexes.

These clubs would create more jobs for Thais and generate additional receipts for the government, which should execute the policy professionally, Arnun said.

The NRC will propose the casino-revival plan to the government if the majority of council members vote for it. However, the final decision rests with the Cabinet and the military's ruling National Council for Peace and Order, he said.

Kriangkrai said many Thais liked to wager and they went overseas to try their luck.

Granting permits for setting up entertainment and casino complexes is not a bad idea.

It makes sense to turn the so-called "sin tax" into useful funds for the good of society, such as help for the poor and national development, he said.

The government should target foreign tourists to use these facilities. Locals would be required to present their financial statements before they were allowed to enter the premises.

The government should set up a committee to evaluate the pros and cons of this proposal, he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NRC-group-proposes-legalising-casinos-30262402.html


-- The Nation 2015-06-16

[edwinchester]

"Critics often argue that Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, so the government should not legalise gambling, which is a sin, but some neighbouring countries, including those whose citizens are mainly Muslim, legally allow the operation of entertainment and casino complexes."

Do they really not know Burma and Cambodia are not predominantly Buddhist too?

[Soutpeel]

"Critics often argue that Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, so the government should not legalise gambling, which is a sin, but some neighbouring countries, including those whose citizens are mainly Muslim, legally allow the operation of entertainment and casino complexes."

Do they really not know Burma and Cambodia are not predominantly Buddhist too?

Ah but that's not true Buddhism the only true version is the Thai version..

[FireMedic]

Thai's can't even get on the same page to run a beach, let alone a big casino. I'm all for casinos, when managed properly. Just imagine the type of taxi, tuk tuk, and other nonsense outside a Thai casino. They would hire the same security monkeys that take pleasure in beating foreigners on a whim. Pattaya would be the last place I would put a casino. It would be better if they pulled a "Vegas" type route and built it out in the middle of nowhere to keep the criminals in one spot.

[Chupup]

Government lottery, underground lottery,cock fighting, gambling at funerals (wakes) illegal casinos ect weather you like it or not Gambling in Thailand is here

[Pimay1]

While buying a lottery ticket, critics often argue that Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist country, so the government should not legalise gambling, which is a sin

[lostoday]

Thai's can't even get on the same page to run a beach, let alone a big casino. I'm all for casinos, when managed properly. Just imagine the type of taxi, tuk tuk, and other nonsense outside a Thai casino. They would hire the same security monkeys that take pleasure in beating foreigners on a whim. Pattaya would be the last place I would put a casino. It would be better if they pulled a "Vegas" type route and built it out in the middle of nowhere to keep the criminals in one spot.

I do think casinos have management who take care of the day to day operations and those people are not local. America has all the casinos on Indian land and there is Macao. I do think Thais should be banned from entering casinos. They do that in a number of third world countries, the Bahamas springs to mind. Until the education system is improved Thais would really be at a disadvantage in a casino run by the boys from Vegas.

[baboon]

Thai's can't even get on the same page to run a beach, let alone a big casino. I'm all for casinos, when managed properly. Just imagine the type of taxi, tuk tuk, and other nonsense outside a Thai casino. They would hire the same security monkeys that take pleasure in beating foreigners on a whim. Pattaya would be the last place I would put a casino. It would be better if they pulled a "Vegas" type route and built it out in the middle of nowhere to keep the criminals in one spot.

I do think casinos have management who take care of the day to day operations and those people are not local. America has all the casinos on Indian land and there is Macao. I do think Thais should be banned from entering casinos. They do that in a number of third world countries, the Bahamas springs to mind. Until the education system is improved Thais would really be at a disadvantage in a casino run by the boys from Vegas.

But then how are people to learn if nanny grants them no freedom? It isn't like they are not going to gamble anyway.

As for the morality issue, that is a private matter between the individual and the fairy at the bottom of the garden they pray to. Government should have no part in any of that, it just breeds resentment.

I don't really gamble myself, but I don't see why the government should ban me from wasting my money as I see fit...

[BKKdreaming]

tourist only, let the Chinese lose their money , quality tourists that they are.......

But save the Thais from themselves !

[baboon]

tourist only, let the Chinese lose their money , quality tourists that they are.......

But save the Thais from themselves !

No, give people what they need to make informed choices and go from there.

[oneday]

As much as the Thai government is fanatically against gambling and now they propose this.

Sure, if it's going to put money into the government coffers and other incidental pockets.

[h90]

Someone explain me how it is Buddhist to punish people who don't follow the believes?

[wombat]

The sooner the better i rekon.

[mmh8]

let me make this easy for you method of making money through taxes, check, without anyone getting upset at the arrival of a new tax

bring in wealthy businessmen - adding to portfolio of current entertainment e.g. sex tourism cheap brothels, check

appease much of population with a popular policy and no need to lie, check

thats correct no need to lie or evade the truth or whatever they call it when face has to be saved by not admitting to the lie bit. check check

what is holding you back, ???? oh yeah I know, the need to pretend that here we have a higher moral outlook of a quasi confuciouis proper thinking and pretending prostitution does not happen evewn though it contributes significant amount to gdp........

its not as if the country keeps to the other Buddhist prefuncts - gratuitous lying throughout is accepted, as is corruption, etc etc. perhaps burn a few incense sticks and get some people in saffron robes to wrap some silk thread around it and spray on that water daily and it will all be fine, even better if a few monkeys are running around as well

Edited June 16, 2015 by mmh8

[Bernard Flint]

I predicted this too, he is getting very predictable, what a man hahahahahahahhahahahah. More mafia types, gambling brings all the axxoles to the surface, the owners, the security, even the gamblers, when they lose money and go on a stealing spree. Well done General, true colours and all that.

[BlackJack]

I propose the 2 tier system keeps going

different prices for foreigners in national parks hospitals and elsewhere

If we keep this system going then foreigners and not Thai nationals should be allowed into the casinos

Alcohol should be allowed to be bought by foreigners any time and Thai nationals should stay with the current rules

[Oziex1]

So, how quickly will this reform go through? When all other more appropriate reforms are stalled.

Got their eye on the prize me thinks.

[newnative]

I think this is a good idea and Pattaya is the logical choice due to its location close to Bangkok and the number of hotels and tourist facilities already in place and being built. I would hope that some of the revenues collected would be used to improve and also better maintain Pattaya but that is probably hoping for too much.

[MauiSteveBKK]

In My Homeland -- Bossier City, Louisiana -- the Right-Wing, Fanatical Baptist Congregations

Protested Loudly Against Casinos On The Red River -- A Legal Loophole To Doing Casinos On Native-Indian

Reservations.

Over The Last 10 Years, My Parents Witnessed First-Hand To:

+ Unemployment Go Down.

+ Much Higher Quality Of Jobs.

+ Tight Restrictions On Casino Ownership.

+ Tight Management of Casinos, with public vetting.

+ Regular donations from casinos to public schools and hospitals.

My Parents Are Now The Biggest Advocates Of Gambling.

I love going to the "River Casinos" in Bossier City/Shreveport & New Orleans.

They are clean, very nice, well run and they don't put up with any crap from anyone.

It's provided a HUGE amount of tax dollars to a very poor USA southern state.

Amen.

[kblaze]

Casinos actually make sense here. They wouldn't bring in anything seedy that isn't here already and would be very good for tourism given that the biggest tourist group, Chinese, tend to love gambling. Employment would benefit in that some higher paying jobs would be created, but that isn't really a key argument given Thailand's sub-1% unemployment. Maybe with a new flush source of tax revenue, they could ease off on the liquor and beer taxes...

[Srikcir]

The alleged purpose of the NRC was to impliment reforms.

A "reform" abates, mitigates, corrects, or eliminates an existing condition.

How does a proposal to introduce legalised casinos in Thailand constitute "reform?"

More often the NRC has been going beyond its defined role by the Interim Charter. What the NRC has become is an appointed constituency for the Junta. But I must admit it is more efficient for the Junta to take advice from this 250-member Junta appointed body than it is to listen to 30 million independent Thai voters.

Welcome to the Junta's Participatory Fuedalism.

[GeckosDiving]

Best place is Pattaya ?

[neeray]

Our casinos in Canada are heavily patronized by Asians. They love to gamble. Casinos are generally run by very professional organizations who know what they are doing.

And yes, they contribute heavily to the community and charities. But there is a dark side. Addiction comes easily. Noteworthy, a lady hung herself in a local casino washroom stall after blowing her daughter's $10,000 wedding fund in the casino. Many homes and businesses have been lost, families and marriages destroyed by casino gambling.

No doubt they would be an excellent tourist attraction to Thailand. But it would be a shame to destroy the lives of many already impoverished Thai Nationals with this fun and addidictive "voluntary tax".

[baboon]

The alleged purpose of the NRC was to impliment reforms.

A "reform" abates, mitigates, corrects, or eliminates an existing condition.

How does a proposal to introduce legalised casinos in Thailand constitute "reform?"

More often the NRC has been going beyond its defined role by the Interim Charter. What the NRC has become is an appointed constituency for the Junta. But I must admit it is more efficient for the Junta to take advice from this 250-member Junta appointed body than it is to listen to 30 million independent Thai voters.

Welcome to the Junta's Participatory Fuedalism.

I suppose they would argue that they are reforming the gambling laws, but you still have a good point in that the current lot are supposedly in power to rig - sorry, reform politics and should have nothing to do with issues such as gambling. After all, they will be stepping down soon...

[Sydebolle]

This country's leaders are trying every effort to make people happy. Now casinos onshore would make some people very, very happy while the bordering trade at Pailin, Savannakhet and the newly opened Kings Royal Group in Bokeo/Laos ring in mourning activities - we'll see!

[halloween]

The alleged purpose of the NRC was to impliment reforms.

A "reform" abates, mitigates, corrects, or eliminates an existing condition.

How does a proposal to introduce legalised casinos in Thailand constitute "reform?"

More often the NRC has been going beyond its defined role by the Interim Charter. What the NRC has become is an appointed constituency for the Junta. But I must admit it is more efficient for the Junta to take advice from this 250-member Junta appointed body than it is to listen to 30 million independent Thai voters.

Welcome to the Junta's Participatory Fuedalism.

Removing an existing ban is reform. Your pedantic nit-picking is becoming more than boring.

[baboon]

Our casinos in Canada are heavily patronized by Asians. They love to gamble. Casinos are generally run by very professional organizations who know what they are doing.

And yes, they contribute heavily to the community and charities. But there is a dark side. Addiction comes easily. Noteworthy, a lady hung herself in a local casino washroom stall after blowing her daughter's $10,000 wedding fund in the casino. Many homes and businesses have been lost, families and marriages destroyed by casino gambling.

No doubt they would be an excellent tourist attraction to Thailand. But it would be a shame to destroy the lives of many already impoverished Thai Nationals with this fun and addidictive "voluntary tax".

Perfectly valid points, but should the majority have to suffer because some can't control themselves? I am thinking of examples such as drinking in railway premises and trains because of one - ONE scumbag who raped a girl.

Are those with addictive personalities not doomed to become addicted to something anyway? Should we make everything illegal apart from what the law specifically allows? It certainly is a tricky issue...

[halloween]

Undoubtedly casinos would return large amounts to the state as well as the operators. But where does it come from? Quite often from the pockets of those who can ill-afford it and where it would have been better spent on things needed by their families.

If Thais are willing to accept a 70:1 payout on a 99:1 odds (illegal lottery), they will think near even on a roulette table is wonderful. so yes, casinos would be hugely successful, but at what social cost?

BTW I admit bias as I had a wife who never met a poker machine she didn't like, and could turn a good week's paycheck into nothing in a single night. A separated friend was forced by the courts to pay child support IN CASH to his gambling ex ran up huge debts trying to feed and clothe his 4 kids as well, and eventually topped himself when his credit ran out.

[baboon]

The alleged purpose of the NRC was to impliment reforms.

A "reform" abates, mitigates, corrects, or eliminates an existing condition.

How does a proposal to introduce legalised casinos in Thailand constitute "reform?"

More often the NRC has been going beyond its defined role by the Interim Charter. What the NRC has become is an appointed constituency for the Junta. But I must admit it is more efficient for the Junta to take advice from this 250-member Junta appointed body than it is to listen to 30 million independent Thai voters.

Welcome to the Junta's Participatory Fuedalism.

Removing an existing ban is reform. Your pedantic nit-picking is becoming more than boring.

How can you have pedantic nit-picking? Is nit-picking not by its very definition pedantry?

Sorry, I don't have much to do today and thought I would take a cheap shot...

[CantSpell]

Casinos actually make sense here. They wouldn't bring in anything seedy that isn't here already and would be very good for tourism given that the biggest tourist group, Chinese, tend to love gambling. Employment would benefit in that some higher paying jobs would be created, but that isn't really a key argument given Thailand's sub-1% unemployment. Maybe with a new flush source of tax revenue, they could ease off on the liquor and beer taxes...

+1 to that

Exactly what happened in Singapore 6-7 years ago if I am not mistaken.

The same year they legalized and opened the casinos, demand went so high that hotel prices nearly double within one to two years...