Thailand may pass Entertainment Complex Bill on April 9
Despite serious pushback, Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat is optimistic that the Entertainment Complex Bill will pass its first reading in parliament on...
Thai locals maintain strong opposition against casino bill
Thailand’s plan to build entertainment complexes with casinos is moving forward, but many people are still unsure about it. A recent survey of 1,000 Thai citizens revealed concerns about what could happen if the casinos open.
Earlier this month, protests and public disagreement led the Thai government to delay the casino bill’s debut, requiring more feedback. Now, a lot of people, 32.6%, worry that legal gambling could lead to more crime and immorality. About 30.2% don’t believe the government’s claim that casinos will boost the economy. Others, 28.1%, want the government to have a plan to prevent gambling problems and help people who get addicted.
There’s also worry about money laundering, with 24.9% concerned the casinos could become places for criminals to hide illegal activities. Many also fear that the casinos could cause conflict in society. Around 31.8% think it could lead to violent clashes, while another 31.7% believe it will cause disagreements, but not violence.
Despite the recent announcement of four main locations, some groups, like the Thai Hotels Association, suggest building these entertainment complexes in smaller cities instead of the proposed locations. They think smaller cities would benefit more, and there are fewer risks, like water shortages, in these places.
While the government pushes ahead with the plan, many people want more safety measures and clearer rules before casinos become a reality.
Thai casino bill keeps facing strong opposition
On Thursday, April 3, around 400 protesters marched through the streets of Bangkok, sharing their perspective by saying “no” to a controversial bill that aims to legalize...
