Govt to push back casino bill again citing public misunderstanding

The government will ask the Lower House to postpone the tabling the draft bill on the entertainment complex, when it sits on July 3, to allow more time to improve the public’s understanding of the proposal, Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri said today.

Wisut Chainaroon, the government whip chief, will be informed of the decision, and the draft bills on Social Harmony and Amnesty will be brought forward for consideration instead.

“Under the draft, casinos would make up only 10% of the project, while the rest would focus on trade exhibition centres and other activities aimed at strengthening the country’s economy during these challenging times,” she insisted.

Manaporn claimed that the public still misunderstands the bill. Therefore, the government needs more time to develop its understanding.

In April, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the first reading of the draft bill by parliament had been postponed, citing more urgent issues that needed to be addressed.

She emphasised that the bill had been delayed, not withdrawn, and would be resubmitted in the next parliamentary session.

Many believe that the postponement stemmed from widespread opposition to the bill, including anti-casino protests that appeared to be gaining momentum.