Bangkok: Bhumtham reiterated the decriminalization of poker for sports, insisting the principles remain the same. Provincial governors and the Department of Provincial Administration have the authority to approve. He urged the prospective Interior Minister not to be petty and suggested taking on major issues, including Khao Kradong, Senate collusion, and drug trafficking. He questioned whether the Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) would be transferred. He also expressed concern that the Election Commission (EC) is dragging things out and requested a review of the Secretary-General's position.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, addressed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's announcement that he would return poker from a sport to gambling. He stated that poker is now a world-class sport and that he believes it should be incorporated into the Olympics and other international sports. He explained that previous efforts were underway to implement it during upcoming sporting events in Thailand, but the original principles remain unchanged. The initiative remains under the authority of provincial governors and the Department of Provincial Administration, who must seek approval for the initiative. He emphasized that nothing has changed. He also urged the incoming Interior Minister not to be concerned with the trivialities of his statement that he would not profit from gambling. He emphasized that he must understand the changing world, as he considers poker a sport.
"Don't let bias influence your decision-making. It's better to focus on the issues of Khao Kradong, collusion with the Senate, or drug issues. And I'd like you to focus on the bigger issues," said Mr. Phumtham.
Mr. Phumtham reiterated that regarding the Khao Kradong issue, the Khao Kradong land is nearing its return. Regardless, it must remain state property. There's no way it can be anything else. Any attempt to do otherwise will require parliamentary investigation, and responsibility must be taken. If a new minister comes in and their house is in Khao Kradong, then what can be done to ensure fairness?
The issue of collusion between senators is a very serious one. We're keeping an eye on whether the DSI Director-General will be transferred, as the DSI Director-General has been handling this entire issue and is nearing the end of the process. The case was submitted, but it's stuck with the Election Commission (EC), which is dragging things out, even asking which province the EC Secretary-General is from. We'll have to see what obstacles arise, and what conditions they'll come up with. I'd like to see the government say they'll intervene to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and get it done. When you return, what will you fix first? Your own issues or the nation's?