Bangkok: "Jirayu" reveals the royal decree, confirming in the middle of the cabinet meeting that there was no objection to the "Entertainment Complex", it is just an observation for the government to adjust and be consistent with the policy. Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman of the Prime Minister's Office, announced that during the recent Cabinet meeting, Mr. Pakorn Nilpraphun, Secretary-General of the Council of State, clarified that the Council of State did not oppose the draft of the Entertainment Complex Act. The Council only made observations for consideration, which could aid in aligning the draft with the government's policy on developing man-made tourist attractions, as stated in the government's policy statement to the Parliament.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, proposed to the Cabinet to approve the draft of the Integrated Entertainment Business Act B.E. ... spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance. This draft aims to establish a legal framework for integrated entertainment businesses, including the formation of the Integrated Entertainment Business Policy Committee and the Executive Committee, and the Office of the Regulatory Commission. The policy focuses on promoting standard integrated entertainment businesses that bolster tourism and investment, ultimately benefiting society and supporting sustainable tourism.
The Cabinet was urged to incorporate observations from the meeting, highlighting the importance of aligning the law's structure with government objectives to ensure effective supervision and prevent negative social impacts. This includes setting appropriate locations and defining joint caretakers as per the draft Act to foster effective cooperation.
The Prime Minister noted that the proposal had already passed the Deputy Prime Minister's Screening Committee, which involved various relevant agencies. He emphasized the importance of considering successful models from other countries in establishing tourist centers and entertainment complexes, given the novelty of this initiative in Thailand. The committee's findings must be communicated to the public to explain the potential benefits.
Mr. Jirayu further clarified that the meeting discussed the composition of the proposed entertainment complexes, with casinos comprising only 10%. The majority will focus on comprehensive tourism and entertainment facilities designed to attract large tourist numbers, such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts, and new man-made attractions like modern water parks and amusement parks. The project aims to capitalize on tourism revenue, acknowledging existing gambling venues and their economic potential.
Following these discussions, the Cabinet meeting approved the draft of the Integrated Entertainment Business Act B.E. ..., as proposed by the Ministry of Finance, and forwarded it to the Office of the Council of State for further consideration. The draft will be presented to the House of Representatives for a first reading to accept its principles, followed by a second reading for amendments and committee evaluations, culminating in a third reading for voting. Subsequently, it will be submitted to the Senate for review, with expectations to complete the process before the session closes on April 10 or in the subsequent session.
The reporter noted that once the Council of State consolidates all opinions, the draft bill will be resubmitted to the Cabinet for another vote. The timeline for the Council of State to return its opinions remains unspecified.