Key points:
- Senate committee forms two teams to examine risks tied to casino project.
- Legal, environmental and constitutional impacts to be reviewed in depth.
- Online gambling and economic feasibility to be assessed separately.
Thailand’s Senate has taken a further step in its review of the Government’s proposal to allow casinos within newly developed entertainment complexes, as reported by the Bangkok Post. A special Senate committee has resolved to set up two subcommittees to examine the initiative in greater detail, with a focus on potential legal and economic consequences.
The first subcommittee will assess how such a development might affect social welfare, the legal system, the environment and urban planning. It will also examine whether the proposal aligns with the country’s constitution and long-term development strategies. In addition, it will consider whether a public referendum should be held, as required under Section 77 of the constitution for significant policy decisions.
The second subcommittee will focus on the economic aspects of the proposal. This will include a review of the financial viability of the entertainment complex, as well as the possibility of legalising online gambling, which remains prohibited in Thailand. If included in the proposed model, online gambling would require separate legislative approval.
Both subcommittees are expected to submit their findings to the main committee by the end of July. This would allow the Senate to provide timely input before the proposed bill is presented to Parliament, currently expected in early July.
Senator Veerapun Suvannamai, Chair of the special committee, stated that the next meeting on 15 May will include invitations to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and several former prime ministers, including Thaksin Shinawatra. While the committee acknowledges that the Prime Minister may send a representative, it hopes she will attend in person.
