The Thai Senate Has Rejected a Casino Bill, Citing Social/Security Issues
The Thai Senate, citing risks to social stability and economic/national security, has rejected a draft bill that would allow for casino complexes.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:This decision aligns with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s thought process, which is that while tourism is important, it shouldn’t compromise factors such as social and safety.
The Findings and Oppositions
A committee headed up by Senator Dr. Veerapun Suvannamai presented its findings through Deputy Senate President Gen. Kriengkrai Srirak. The findings revealed long-term dangers, including those involving public trust or potentially money laundering. Finally, the committee concluded that any future legislation should be enacted through a national referendum.
Committee Vice Chair Senator Sornchat Vichaya Suwannaprom mentioned the idea of alternative solutions, such as entertainment complexes without casinos, but perhaps controlled-access gaming zones or online gambling with regulations.
Several senators opposed the bill, however. For example, Senator Chinachot Saengsang argued that the casinos were the main focus of the bill as opposed to an add-on.
Related: Research Shows Public Do Not Support Thailand Gambling Laws
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The Debate over the Economics
The proponents of this bill mentioned it as a post-COVID-19 pandemic economic boost. A Maybank Securities study projected annual revenue of over THB187 billion (equivalent to approximately $5.14 billion USD). The bill also featured a proposed tax rate of 17%.
However, opposing senators didn’t see it that way, saying that the revenue would go between gamblers. At the same time, the government should bear the costs of infrastructure and regulation.
The Thai parliament will dissolve within the next four months, and Senator Veerapun is urging any party that supports casino regulation to make its opinion known during the election cycle.
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