Game over: Casino bill withdrawn

The Cabinet dropped the draft Integrated Entertainment Complex bill from the debate agenda of the House of Representatives today. Commonly known as ‘the casino bill’, it was a flagship project of the Pheu Thai-led administration under Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub revealed, after the Cabinet meeting, that the decision was made at the request of the Finance Ministry.

The withdrawal marks the end of the government’s push for the country to have such a complex, which was expected to include a casino.

The bill has attracted heavy criticism and a series of public protests, despite the government's insistence that it would attract investment, combat illegal gambling and enhance tourism in Thailand.

Regarding the casino, the government claimed that it would be limited to no more than 10% of the complex’s “activity”, with the remaining 90% dedicated to other attractions, including amusement parks, water parks, theatres, sports arenas and man-made scenic tourism developments.

The project was included in Paetongtarn’s policy statement, announced in Parliament when she took office as prime minister in September last year. She is currently suspended from that office.

The Cabinet approved the draft, in principle, on March 13 and directed the Council of State to review the proposal as a matter of urgency, incorporating feedback from relevant agencies and the Cabinet screening committee.

In April, Paetongtarn announced that the first reading of the draft bill, which had been scheduled for debate in Parliament the following day, was be postponed, citing more urgent issues requiring attention.

She insisted at the time that the draft was merely delayed, not withdrawn, and that it would be tabled again during Parliament’s next session in July.

Jirayu said that, following the Cabinet reshuffle on June 30, which relieved certain ministers of their duties and appointed new ones, the Cabinet Secretariat reviewed the matter and agreed with the Finance Ministry’s request to withdraw the bill.

“The decision was also based on the bill’s broad social implications, which require more time for public understanding and engagement. Therefore, the Cabinet deemed it appropriate to withdraw the bill from the House’s consideration,” Jirayu said.

Political commentators claim, however, that the decision is a result of Pheu Thai’s razor-thin parliamentary majority, after the Bhumjaithai Party quit the coalition a few weeks ago.

Worse still, Paetongtarn has been suspended by order of the Constitutional Court for allegedly violating the ethical code of conduct, in relation to the contents of a leaked recording of a conversation between her and Cambodian strongman Hun Sen.

Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said they "accept it’s not the appropriate time."

“It’s a shame. The delay is a lost opportunity for the country,” he told the media.