Entertainment <\/p>\n
Amid rising opposition, Thailand has delayed the planned review of a controversial entertainment complex bill until summer. The debate, which had been set for tomorrow (9 April), will take place in the next legislative session.<\/strong><\/p>\n The bill, passed by cabinet in March, would legalise up to five casino resorts in four locations around Thailand. <\/p>\n A January survey by the National Institute of Development Administration<\/a> (NIDA) reflected widespread concerns about social ills like gambling addiction and crime, including money laundering. Respondents also questioned government transparency in pushing the new industry.<\/p>\n But from a public comment period conducted by the Thailand Fiscal Policy Office<\/a> (FPO), the government reported 80% of participants supported the proposal as a way to increase tourism and tax revenue and create jobs.<\/p>\n One-time election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn has questioned the veracity of the FPO survey, hinting it may have been manipulated to favour a policy of the ruling coalition.<\/p>\n Amid swelling public opposition \u2013<\/a> including an open letter from drafters of the 2007 constitution \u2013<\/a> parliament pulled the bill from the current agenda.<\/p>\n In the 6 April letter, 30 charter authors said the casino bill \u201copposes the National Strategy Act\u2019s<\/a> goals for long-term economic security and prosperity\u201d, in accordance with the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. That philosophy emphasises \u201cappropriateness, competitive advantage, low risk and avoiding over-investment\u201d, including \u201cover-dependence on other countries\u201d.<\/p>\n Signers including Justice Jaran Pakdithanakul and law professor Vicha Mahakun expressed concern that sprawling, billion-dollar casino complexes could invade state lands and disrupt the ecosystem. <\/p>\n They also protested the speed at which the bill has moved through the legislature. Moreover, they noted that the plan originated with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra<\/a>, who is said to exert undue influence on the sitting premier, Paetongtarn Shinawatra<\/a>, his daughter.<\/p>\n Sources recently told the Bangkok Post<\/a> that Thaksin ordered members of the Pheu Thai-led coalition to support the bill or risk expulsion.<\/p>\nDebate tabled following protests<\/h2>\n
Lawmakers could take up bill in July<\/h2>\n