Thailand: Former PM and current Minister to present views on casino bill | Gambling Insider
Former Prime Minister to address Senate committee amid growing concerns over social impact.
Key points:
– Former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat to speak at Senate committee hearing
– Bill proposes integrated entertainment complexes with casino elements
– Youth network and academics warn of limited economic benefit and social risks
As reported by the Bangkok Post, former Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is scheduled to attend a Senate committee session to discuss the Government’s proposed plan for entertainment complexes that would include casino facilities.
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat will also participate in the same session. This marks his second appearance before the committee, which is chaired by Senator Veerapun Suvannamai and currently conducting its fifth review of the draft legislation.
The proposed bill, now before Parliament, has stirred debate over its potential economic and social consequences. At the previous meeting held on 29 May, the committee heard from economist Chidtawan Chanakul of Kasetsart University and two youth representatives, Sornsit Krimjai and Thanaphat Chaloemrat.
Chidtawan argued that while such complexes may generate employment, the jobs are expected to be predominantly low-skilled and may not significantly uplift the living standards of disadvantaged communities. He also noted that even in developed nations, illegal gambling operations persist despite the legalisation of casinos.
Good to know: The youth representatives warned that legalising casinos might normalise gambling, especially among the young, who could abandon education in favour of risky money-making pursuits
Critics of the bill fear that the inclusion of casinos could lead to increased gambling addiction, financial distress and wider social issues if not tightly regulated. However, proponents suggest the measure could drive tourism and bolster government revenue.
The committee will use the insights shared at Thursday’s session to further evaluate the potential impacts of the bill before progressing with its legislative path.
