Abhisit calls on PM to take a stand on casino issue

[webfact]

Abhisit calls on PM to take a stand on casino issue



BANGKOK: -- Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has called upon Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to take a stand on the contentious issue about whether casinos should be legalized or not.

He also brushed aside the request of the so-called Rak Chart group of 13 members of National Reform Council to see him to gauge his opinion on the issue, saying that it is quite obvious that the majority of the people, as shown in opinion polls, are against legalizing casinos.

Mr Abhsit admitted that he didn’t understand why Pol Gen Somyot Pumpunmuang, the national police chief, in his capacity as a law enforcement officer, took the lead in campaigning for casinos to be set up here.

“I would like General Prayut Chan-ocha, prime minister and head of the National Council for Peace and Order, to take a stand to demonstrate how the government thinks about it,” said the Democrat party leader.

He said the government had already wasted a lot of time debating on this issue instead of focusing on other more pressing issues such as the economy and drought.

The issue will be put to an end once the prime minister takes a stand, he added.

(Photo : Thai PBS File)

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/abhisit-calls-on-pm-to-take-a-stand-on-casino-issue


-- Thai PBS 2015-06-23

[chainarong]

It goes without question that once again persons are setting agendas outside of their proper roles , it is not the Police Chief's job to offer policy or direction on Casino's not unless it involves a policing matter and being of suspicious nature one wonders who is in the background, it would become a policing matter once the Casino is opened , in this case it is the tourism Minister or TAT that should be making the moves on behalf of the tourist industry, as for P.M. Prayut - O becoming involved as Mark has indicated , I would be surprised if the Good P.M. would, let's face it , he has a problem with the price of Lotto tickets , where would he be with a Casino.

[bamukloy]

Mr Abhsit didnt understand why the national police chief took the lead in campaigning for casinos to be set up here.

hmm not pointing fingers or anything, but the extra carricular activities of some police might put them in the running for running a legit casino.

In the case of filthy rich policemen one could be forgiven if wondering if the massive fortunes may have come from the gambling industry..

..and i dont mean they won it gambling :0)

[Fat Haggis]

But but but everyone is happy, the polls tell us this every week!!

[robblok]

As i posted before, there should just be a law that only allows the state to own casinos and no franchises or exploitation by others. If that happens the people fighting for casino's can't benefit from them. I think many just want to run their own casino and if that option is not available they will stop campaigning for it.

I doubt that the people advocating it are not in it for themselves to be able to run a casino and reap the profits.

[ratcatcher]

It goes without question that once again persons are setting agendas outside of their proper roles , it is not the Police Chief's job to offer policy or direction on Casino's not unless it involves a policing matter and being of suspicious nature one wonders who is in the background, it would become a policing matter once the Casino is opened , in this case it is the tourism Minister or TAT that should be making the moves on behalf of the tourist industry, as for P.M. Prayut - O becoming involved as Mark has indicated , I would be surprised if the Good P.M. would, let's face it , he has a problem with the price of Lotto tickets , where would he be with a Casino.

"....where would he be with a Casino.?"

That's anyone's bet!

[Basil B]

As pointed out, it is the police generals job to enforce the law no dictate it.

considering the number of arrests, confiscation of gambling equipment and rumours that illegal gambling dens are raided due to conflicts of interest I would have thought that is was in the polices interest to keep them illegal.

[IamNoone88]

"He said the government had already wasted a lot of time debating on this issue instead of focusing on other more pressing issues such as the economy and drought."

Hmmmm. I remember too clearly his time in power and how chronically painful that period was................

[bamnutsak]

Powerful forces are arrayed behind this push for casinos.

Mr. Abhisit (of whom I am no particular fan) seems to have grown a backbone? I have to say that I am impressed.

[NongKhaiKid]

Interesting problem for the PM with his insistence on core values and the return to old style Thainess versus big, very big, money both over and under the table for many.

[chainarong]

Mr Abhsit didnt understand why the national police chief took the lead in campaigning for casinos to be set up here.

hmm not pointing fingers or anything, but the extra carricular activities of some police might put them in the running for running a legit casino.

In the case of filthy rich policemen one could be forgiven if wondering if the massive fortunes may have come from the gambling industry..

..and i dont mean they won it gambling :0)

Always Suspicion surrounds any suggestions from the RTP , hence the public backlash, Thai's have an in built dislike for the RTP.

[maidee]

was he not born in the UK ? they have casino's there and even some gambling machines in every pub for a pound a play

and i think they also have thais overthere ... so are they all gambling addicts ?

[mikemac]

Mr Abhsit didnt understand why the national police chief took the lead in campaigning for casinos to be set up here.

hmm not pointing fingers or anything, but the extra carricular activities of some police might put them in the running for running a legit casino.

In the case of filthy rich policemen one could be forgiven if wondering if the massive fortunes may have come from the gambling industry..

..and i dont mean they won it gambling :0)

Always Suspicion surrounds any suggestions from the RTP , hence the public backlash, Thai's have an in built dislike for the RTP.

...................."Thai's have an in built dislike for the RTP."......................

You got that right. My wife hates them with a passion.

When she is pulled up by the RTP she usually abuses them and makes them wish they had not stopped her.

[ChrisY1]

IMO, the generals will stick together......a casino will more than likely happen eventually.

[h90]

A good leader would have a look what the population really once before taking a stand himself.

Beside that Abhisit is hardly something that anyone would call a good leader in his time as premier he had hardly any clear stand on anything.

With people like him the Democrats will never win anything.

[Basil B]

was he not born in the UK ? they have casino's there and even some gambling machines in every pub for a pound a play

and i think they also have thais overthere ... so are they all gambling addicts ?

Yes, and he will be only too aware of the problems gambling brings...

I am not sure on gambling machines in pubs as I do not frequent pubs just to drink the night away, but do go to pubs for a meal and if they do have gambling machines they are hardly used probably due to the restrictions on them.

The big issue in the UK is Betting Shops, with more and more of them opening up over the last few years, (I only bet once a year, on the Grand National) but my job often takes me to betting shops and what I do see is a lot of people who appear to be on benefits throwing their money away, they do have fixed odds slot machines with stakes from 50P to £2.00 and very easy to see someone load a hundred pounds or so into them in only a few minute.

As for casino's there are many around but for most you have to be a member or as a guest of a member to play, and usually have a dress code so gambling addiction no so much an issue, I was reliably informed they were used by some people to "launder" money, also if you do play the roulette wheel unless it is rigged the odd are that you will lose 3% each play or more to the point the casino makes on average less than 3p in the pound for every play.

My dad was a member of a casino (many years ago), he only gambled what he could afford, mainly he went more for the free drinks and sandwiches

There are many issues to the casino debate, for we have loss of tourism and loss of revenue that is spent just over the boarder, against we have the Thai addiction to gambling and religious views.

Not a easy one to call...

P.S.

If there were casino in Thailand most expats would not be allowed in due to the dress code....

Edited June 24, 2015 by Basil B

[Alwyn]

Ultimately Prayuth will do what his backers tell him to do. If the rich who are pulling his strings want casinos, there will be casinos.

[FangFerang]

Both polls showed less than half of those questioned did not want want casinos.

That is not a majority, Abbi.

[khunken]

Just one point - Abhisit accuses the police chief of campaigning for casinos.

I certainly didn't see any campaigning - the police chief purely expressed his opinion.

[Fat Haggis]

A good leader would have a look what the population really once before taking a stand himself.

Beside that Abhisit is hardly something that anyone would call a good leader in his time as premier he had hardly any clear stand on anything.

With people like him the Democrats will never win anything.

A really good leader doesn't suppress his subordinates views or opinions but instead encourages them as they may well be in his shoes one day.

A good leader doesn't impose his will over people, instead listens to their issues and does all he can to rectify them, but remaining firm, fair and friendly.

A good leader accepts criticism and takes on board the points and does all he can to rectify them.

A good leader is approachable

A good leader doesn't split his followers into seperare groups favouring one over the other.

A good leader knows when tactical diplomacy is needed and doesn't fly off the handl making idle threats because he can't stand the heat.

Edited June 24, 2015 by Fat Haggis

[khunken]

A good leader would have a look what the population really once before taking a stand himself.

Beside that Abhisit is hardly something that anyone would call a good leader in his time as premier he had hardly any clear stand on anything.

With people like him the Democrats will never win anything.

A really good leader doesn't suppress his subordinates views or opinions but instead encourages them as they may well be in his shoes one day.

A good leader doesn't impose his will over people, instead listens to their issues and does all he can to rectify them, but remaining firm, fair and friendly.

A good leader accepts criticism and takes on board the points and does all he can to rectify them.

A good leader is approachable

A good leader doesn't split his followers into seperare groups favouring one over the other.

A good leader knows when tactical diplomacy is needed and doesn't fly off the handl making idle threats because he can't stand the heat.

Why does it have to be a 'he'?

Edited June 24, 2015 by khunken

[freedom4life]

There are a few individuals who would be able to benefit in some way in establishing casinos here......why else? Those same people couldn't care less about the repercussions of having such a dangerous set-up here.

[Fat Haggis]

A good leader would have a look what the population really once before taking a stand himself.

Beside that Abhisit is hardly something that anyone would call a good leader in his time as premier he had hardly any clear stand on anything.

With people like him the Democrats will never win anything.

A really good leader doesn't suppress his subordinates views or opinions but instead encourages them as they may well be in his shoes one day.

A good leader doesn't impose his will over people, instead listens to their issues and does all he can to rectify them, but remaining firm, fair and friendly.

A good leader accepts criticism and takes on board the points and does all he can to rectify them.

A good leader is approachable

A good leader doesn't split his followers into seperare groups favouring one over the other.

A good leader knows when tactical diplomacy is needed and doesn't fly off the handl making idle threats because he can't stand the heat.

Why does it have to be a 'he'?

Exactly!! But is there any female Generals? 5555555

In all seriousness, can you think of a Thai female who has all these qualities mentioned above, out with the sporting world? ?

[geriatrickid]

The police commissioner expressed an opinion on casinos. He has not campaigned for them. The police commissioner was appointed by the unelected PM, Prayut Chan-ocha, and under the current law reports is accountable exclusively to the General/PM. Based upon the current structure, unless the PM/General says otherwise, the police commissioner is acting on behalf of the PM/General. My takeaway is that the PM/General has no objection to casinos otherwise he would have said something by now.

In many jurisdictions it is easier to regulate and control an activity when it is in the open and where there is are appropriate regulations, a professional and honest enforcement of the regulations and where the regulatory authorities are honest and have integrity. Unfortunately, with the amount of corruption in Thailand, I don't think it is possible to operate casinos properly. The government can't even manage the selling of lottery tickets or control the sale of alcohol, so how would it manage casinos?

[Solomon]

As i posted before, there should just be a law that only allows the state to own casinos and no franchises or exploitation by others. If that happens the people fighting for casino's can't benefit from them. I think many just want to run their own casino and if that option is not available they will stop campaigning for it.

I doubt that the people advocating it are not in it for themselves to be able to run a casino and reap the profits.

Extremely naive solution.

If the state owns the casinos, then the board will be packed with retired Generals who know nothing about running casinos and everything about lining their own pockets.

Thais love to gamble, legalise casinos and tax them - also think of the increased tourist revenue.

If a puritanical state like Singapore has legal casinos - then you know there is much money to be made.

[Basil B]

As i posted before, there should just be a law that only allows the state to own casinos and no franchises or exploitation by others. If that happens the people fighting for casino's can't benefit from them. I think many just want to run their own casino and if that option is not available they will stop campaigning for it.

I doubt that the people advocating it are not in it for themselves to be able to run a casino and reap the profits.

Extremely naive solution.

If the state owns the casinos, then the board will be packed with retired Generals who know nothing about running casinos and everything about lining their own pockets.

Thais love to gamble, legalise casinos and tax them - also think of the increased tourist revenue.

If a puritanical state like Singapore has legal casinos - then you know there is much money to be made.

You said...

If the state owns the casinos, then the board will be packed with retired Generals who know nothing about running casinos and everything about lining their own pockets.

That goes for politicians as well...

But I still think state owned would be better than either some well connected Thai's or or multi internationals running it.

[gemguy]

Hmmmmm....on one hand it is good to see that a powerful politician is intervening and trying to put a stop to any dubious casino operations that could be opened.

Meantime, you have to wonder, if the supposedly good politician Abhisit would change his mind if the police general and his cohorts were to offer a persuasive percent ownership of the casino operation to Mr.Abhisit.

He may see it their way...if the price is right....lol

Cheers

[bamnutsak]

The police commissioner expressed an opinion on casinos. He has not campaigned for them. The police commissioner was appointed by the unelected PM, Prayut Chan-ocha, and under the current law reports is accountable exclusively to the General/PM. Based upon the current structure, unless the PM/General says otherwise, the police commissioner is acting on behalf of the PM/General. My takeaway is that the PM/General has no objection to casinos otherwise he would have said something by now.

In many jurisdictions it is easier to regulate and control an activity when it is in the open and where there is are appropriate regulations, a professional and honest enforcement of the regulations and where the regulatory authorities are honest and have integrity. Unfortunately, with the amount of corruption in Thailand, I don't think it is possible to operate casinos properly. The government can't even manage the selling of lottery tickets or control the sale of alcohol, so how would it manage casinos?

PM breaks silence with 'no'

Police chief told to stop pushing; Abhisit urges society to stop wasting time

PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha has finally broken his silence on the proposal to launch casinos in Thailand and put the brakes on further discussions.

During the past week, several prominent figures, including National Police chief General Somyot Poompanmoung, have been pushing for the legalisation of casinos or casino-containing entertainment complexes. Opponents, meanwhile, have severely lambasted the proposals.

He added that he had instructed Somyot to stop speaking in support of casinos.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/PM-breaks-silence-with-no-30263055.html

[chainarong]

It goes without question that once again persons are setting agendas outside of their proper roles , it is not the Police Chief's job to offer policy or direction on Casino's not unless it involves a policing matter and being of suspicious nature one wonders who is in the background, it would become a policing matter once the Casino is opened , in this case it is the tourism Minister or TAT that should be making the moves on behalf of the tourist industry, as for P.M. Prayut - O becoming involved as Mark has indicated , I would be surprised if the Good P.M. would, let's face it , he has a problem with the price of Lotto tickets , where would he be with a Casino.

"....where would he be with a Casino.?"

That's anyone's bet!

10/1 he would be in Macau, having a grand old time

[Solomon]

As i posted before, there should just be a law that only allows the state to own casinos and no franchises or exploitation by others. If that happens the people fighting for casino's can't benefit from them. I think many just want to run their own casino and if that option is not available they will stop campaigning for it.

I doubt that the people advocating it are not in it for themselves to be able to run a casino and reap the profits.

Extremely naive solution.

If the state owns the casinos, then the board will be packed with retired Generals who know nothing about running casinos and everything about lining their own pockets.

Thais love to gamble, legalise casinos and tax them - also think of the increased tourist revenue.

If a puritanical state like Singapore has legal casinos - then you know there is much money to be made.

You said...

If the state owns the casinos, then the board will be packed with retired Generals who know nothing about running casinos and everything about lining their own pockets.

That goes for politicians as well...

But I still think state owned would be better than either some well connected Thai's or or multi internationals running it.

Politicians are answerable to the electorate - Generals are answerable to no one.