Key points:
- Prime Minister urges coalition MPs to educate public on economic impact
- Bill aims to attract foreign investment and generate new jobs
- Support from Parliament still required for passage
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has called on coalition lawmakers to intensify efforts in building public understanding of the proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, as reported by The Nation.
Speaking after a mobile Cabinet meeting held in Nakhon Phanom province, Shinawatra emphasised that the bill represents a novel concept for Thailand and requires public dialogue to clarify its economic advantages. She cited Japan as one of several countries that have already adopted similar initiatives.
The Prime Minister explained that the project encourages foreign private investment, which could provide much-needed tax revenue at a time when fiscal resources are limited. She added that the scheme would also create jobs in sectors such as event management and entertainment.
“This proposal will allow the government to collect taxes from foreign investment while stimulating employment and expanding tax income. It is an approach that fits the economic needs of the country,” she said.
Shinawatra confirmed that discussions had taken place with the leaders of all coalition parties. Each party, she noted, will be free to communicate the bill’s benefits to constituents in their own way, but all parties are aligned on the importance of moving the initiative forward.
Addressing concerns about timing, she reassured the public that the government would use the current recess to continue advocating for the bill. “We still have time before the next session opens. I presented this idea because I believe it could bring national benefit. Otherwise, I would not have pursued it,” she said.
