Bangkok: "Phumtham" asks all parties not to imagine "full-service entertainment venues" yet. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, has addressed concerns surrounding the Cabinet's approval of the draft Integrated Entertainment Act. He urged the opposition and all parties not to speculate that the proposed entertainment venues will attract Chinese capital, emphasizing that the casino component will only constitute 10% of these establishments.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham highlighted that the primary goal of the legislation is to bring underground businesses into a regulated framework, making them easier to control. He stressed that the focus should not be on the potential involvement of Chinese gangs, but rather on the benefits of formalizing these activities. The minister noted that casinos are just a small part of the broader plan to enhance tourism through diverse activities.
Mr. Phumtham acknowledged that gambling, including casinos and lotteries, already exists in Thailand, regardless of the presence of entertainment complexes. He argued that the government's approach is to make these activities transparent and manageable, ultimately benefiting the national economy. The initiative aims to transform the underground economy into a legitimate and advantageous sector for the country.
He urged people not to worry, expressing confidence that no one would intentionally harm the nation. Instead, the focus should be on improving the economy, which is currently facing significant challenges. Mr. Phumtham pointed to past successes, such as the legalization of underground lotteries that have supported education, as evidence of the potential positive outcomes.
In conclusion, Mr. Phumtham appealed to the opposition and others to consider the broader intentions behind establishing entertainment complexes. He encouraged them to evaluate the initiative from all perspectives and avoid drawing premature conclusions.