Casino Legislation to Receive Input from Abhisit
On Thursday,Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister, and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat will join forces to weigh in on the hotly debated entertainment complex proposition, featuring casinos, during a special Senate committee meeting.
As reported on Tuesday, the committee, steered by Sen Veerapun Suvannamai, has scheduled their fifth meeting, inviting both Abhisit and Julapun to express their views on the contentious bill. This marks Julapun's second appearance to elaborate on the government's stance on the bill, already submitted to parliament.
At the committee's previous meeting held on May 29th, they welcomed Chidtawan Chanakul from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Economics, alongside representatives from a youth network adamantly opposing gambling. The minutes revealed that Chidtawan supported the creation of jobs by entertainment complexes but contended they would likely hire low-skilled labor, offering minimal improvement to people's overall quality of life or assistance to underprivileged groups.
Chidtawan further emphasized that illegal casinos persist, even in developed countries, but are effectively suppressed through robust law enforcement in nations like the United States and Singapore. The youth network voiced concerns that sanctioning entertainment complexes incorporating casinos could inadvertently fuel gambling practices, potentially leading young individuals to neglect their education and chase quick money via gambling.
Investors anticipate that Thailand could rank among the top three global entertainment complex hubs, rivaling Las Vegas and Macau, potentially generating substantial income for the state. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat strongly advocates for the inclusion of casinos, viewing them as crucial attractions attracting tourists and offering a competitive edge in the tourism sector. However, concerns arise around a proposed $1.5 million bank deposit requirement for locals, which may discourage potential operators, and regulations that could potentially hinder local involvement.
In the ongoing discussions, former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, along with casino personalities, are set to discuss the cultural implications and trends of casino-gambling in the context of Thailand's proposed entertainment complex bill. The casino-culture debate extends beyond job creation and economic benefits, with responsible gambling advocates raising concerns about the potential impact on young individuals and society at large, such as the possible increase in gambling trends. Meanwhile, the government and investors view casino-games as crucial attractions for tourism, aiming to position Thailand as a global hub along the lines of Las Vegas and Macau.
