Bangkok: Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice and leader of the Prachachat Party, addressed concerns regarding the government's plan to submit a proposal for entertainment complexes to the Cabinet. Despite potential conflicts with religious principles, Thawee emphasized the distinction between government operations and party beliefs, noting that Prachachat Party MPs, who are predominantly Muslim, do not support the proposal.
According to Thai News Agency, Thawee acknowledged the proposal had already undergone scrutiny in the House of Representatives. The Justice Minister stated that while the proposal has been supported by documents and previous studies, the MPs of the Prachachat Party, due to their religious beliefs, remain opposed. Thawee pointed out that the law surrounding entertainment complexes has been under review for two terms and highlighted the potential need to develop new legislation distinct from the existing Gambling Act, which originally governed casinos.
Thawee reassured party supporters by affirming that the Prachachat Party's MPs have consistently expressed their disagreement with the proposal. He reiterated that legal decisions are made by the House of Representatives and are subject to the independent discretion of MPs or parties. Thawee also mentioned that the party has communicated its stance to coalition partners, emphasizing that the opposition is rooted in the cultural and religious convictions of their Muslim constituents.