Bangkok: "Phradon" has expressed concerns over Pheu Thai's decision to delay the casino law, suspecting underlying issues with the policy and lack of support from both parliament and the public. Mr. Paradorn Prisananantakul, MP for Ang Thong from the Bhumjaithai Party, voiced his apprehensions in an interview following the announcement by the Pheu Thai Party to defer the consideration of the draft bill on integrated entertainment venues until the next parliamentary session.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paradorn highlighted that Pheu Thai had previously asserted that the establishment of integrated entertainment complexes, including casinos, promised economic benefits for the country, new sources of income, and increased foreign investment. There were attempts to expedite its introduction in parliament, even prioritizing it after an earthquake, which led to criticism that other urgent matters were being overlooked.
Mr. Paradorn emphasized Bhumjaithai Party's stance against casinos, stating that they do not support them. However, when coalition parties proposed their establishment, efforts were made to devise strategies that would maximize national benefits. Suggestions included collecting concession revenue to share with the government and expanding opportunities to secondary cities, aiming for broader public advantage beyond just benefiting concession holders. Ultimately, these proposals were not accepted, prompting the Bhumjaithai Party leader to recommend a referendum to gauge public opinion.
The former vice president of the House of Representatives remarked on the previous urgency to consider the bill despite objections. The sudden decision to delay it has raised doubts about the government's true position on the policy's benefits. He urged for immediate consideration to determine its viability.
Mr. Phradon concluded by stating that as the opposition party, Bhumjaithai can now freely express its views. Having provided numerous options in the past, he called for the government to resolve the matter of the draft law, allowing focus to shift to other pressing issues.