Thai casino bill debate postponed amid review of gambling risks and public concerns
Delay unrelated to coalition politics, says Pheu Thai spokesman.
Key points:
– Debate on casino-entertainment complex bill deferred by a month
– Pheu Thai affirms continued support for project to boost tourism
– Review focuses on anti-addiction and anti-money laundering safeguards
Thailand’s highly anticipated casino-entertainment complex bill, originally scheduled for debate on 3 July, will be delayed by approximately one month to allow for further study, according to a statement from the Pheu Thai Party.
As reported by the Bangkok Post, party spokesperson Danuporn Punnakanta stressed the move is not politically motivated and has no connection to the recent withdrawal of the Bhumjaithai Party from the coalition.
Pheu Thai reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the legislation, but said additional consultation was necessary, particularly regarding Thai citizens’ access to gambling and the risk of money laundering. Punnakanta confirmed that the party is working closely with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to develop effective safeguards, citing examples from jurisdictions such as Singapore and Macau.
He added that discussions with members of Bhumjaithai had taken place, with some expressing support for the bill despite their party’s departure from the Government.
Good to know: The proposed bill aims to legalise integrated resort complexes featuring casinos, as part of a broader strategy to revitalise the tourism sector and attract international investment
In light of the delay, the House of Representatives will now prioritise four political amnesty bills in its 9 July session. These proposals, including one introduced by Pheu Thai, aim to foster national unity by pardoning political offences. However, the amnesty will exclude cases under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, which concerns offences against the monarchy.
House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha has urged both government and opposition whips to support the amnesty bills to advance the process of reconciliation across political lines.
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