Bangkok: Mr. Chulaphan Amornvivat, Deputy Minister of Finance, has announced the withdrawal of the Entertainment Complex Act from consideration by the House of Representatives, citing significant changes in the Cabinet as a key reason for this decision. The move, according to Mr. Chulaphan, is intended to allow the country to progress by providing more time for societal understanding and adaptation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chulaphan emphasized that the current political climate necessitates this step back, describing it as an opportunity to "pull the fuel out of the fire." He acknowledged that the timing may not be right for the Act's consideration, although he could not specify when it might be appropriate to revisit the issue.
In response to inquiries regarding concerns from the Bhumjaithai Party about potential lack of support from coalition parties, Mr. Chulaphan reassured that there have been no indications of dissent. He expressed confidence in securing a majority vote in parliament, dismissing worries about the number of supporting votes.
Clarifying the use of the term 'withdraw' as opposed to 'repeat,' Mr. Chulaphan explained that it aligns with the legal procedures for removing a draft law. The decision to have the Cabinet withdraw the law, rather than the House, follows the protocol since the Ministry of Finance originally proposed the Act.
Mr. Chulaphan noted that other laws might also need to be reconsidered due to changes in ministerial leadership. He refrained from discussing specifics but indicated that the new ministerial appointments necessitate a careful review before any laws are reintroduced to the Cabinet.
When questioned about the Pheu Thai Party's longstanding support for the Entertainment Complex policy, Mr. Chulaphan acknowledged the delay as a missed opportunity for the country's tourism sector. However, he remained optimistic about finding the right time to advance the policy, stressing the importance of aligning government actions with current realities.
Despite uncertainties regarding the Act's reintroduction, Mr. Chulaphan expressed confidence in the government's parliamentary majority, which he believes will enable the passage of the Entertainment Complex Act when the time is right.