Bangkok: The Prime Minister revealed that the Cabinet approved the principle of the Entertainment Complex Act draft. The Council of State confirmed that it would not obstruct the draft and that there was no need to re-draft it, but would adjust the wording to be consistent with the policy statement to the parliament. He indicated that it would happen sooner rather than later for the benefit of the country.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, announced after the cabinet meeting that the meeting approved the principle of the draft bill on the operation of the entertainment complex business as proposed by the Ministry of Finance. The details include establishing a policy committee for the entertainment complex and an executive committee, setting clear criteria for granting permission to operate the entertainment complex, with the objective of increasing sustainable tourism, promoting domestic investment, and solving the current problem of illegal gambling, which will have a positive effect on the future as a whole.
The Prime Minister said that he did not assign the Council of State to draft a new bill, and the Council of State stated that it did not obstruct it, but only wanted to adjust the content and wording to be consistent with what he had announced to the parliament that it was promoting tourism. When there are opinions, they can be submitted to the parliament without having to go to the cabinet meeting. If it happens quickly, it is good because, for example, Singapore has only 10% of entertainment complexes and casinos, while the rest is 80-90% tourism. When tourism grows and GDP increases, it is believed that it will have a positive effect on the country in the future. If it can be pushed forward quickly, it should be a good thing.
As for whether it will damage Thailand's image, the Prime Minister said that it must be based on the truth because currently there is illegal gambling everywhere. He believes that it will solve the problem of illegal influencers. Bringing illegal things into the law and specifying them clearly and comprehensively will make our people safe. In addition, the money received is the country's taxes. We have to look at the current world. Anything that can be made transparent will be a positive thing for the country. It is a new thing in the country. It is a matter of change. But it is okay to communicate and explain more often.