Bangkok: Pichai confirms that the Casino Act will enter the Cabinet today, emphasizing that the 'Complex' is not focused on gambling, hoping to collect income from tourists, and will strictly supervise and control, admitting that there are 1-2 agencies that are concerned.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira revealed before the Cabinet meeting that the draft bill on Staab Entertainment Business will be considered by the Cabinet today. It will not be withdrawn. There will be discussions. In my working group, we discussed the necessity and benefits in detail. We clearly see that in order to compete with other countries that are doing it, it is more effective when there is something we are interested in. We have to supervise and control it. In fact, all over the world, the area used for game rooms or entertainment is only a small area. Today, the income from entertainment and other things around the world is very high.
When asked if other agencies disagreed with the Council of State, Mr. Pichai said that in fact, no one disagreed. In principle, almost 90 percent of everyone agreed. There may be 1-2 who do not object, but the rest all agree. There are observations that match the agencies that are in charge. To be honest, they are concerned about casinos. They are afraid that Thais or children will enter to play, regardless of their age. This is a matter that they accept. He understands that there is a policy committee and agencies that oversee it. Therefore, they will take this matter up to see how to regulate it. It is a matter that must be taken care of anyway. However, we do not support it. But what we intend is to let foreign countries come and spend more money.
When asked why casino laws were not enacted directly, as this was like using tourism as a front, Mr. Pichai said that it was not. He thought that many things were entertainment complexes. Try to observe who actually went to buy products in the shopping malls. Everyone has adapted. Even in large shopping malls, nowadays, there are many different types of entertainment in themselves, including food courts and shows for children to watch in addition to shopping. However, this is a large scale, so we have to work together. The components in such a large area have to be taken care of in the same direction, so we have to enact laws to supervise.
When asked if this bill and the online gambling law that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is working on are the same thing, Mr. Pichai said that they are different matters. This matter must be straightforward. He thinks that the supervision will be up to standard. He confirmed that the casino issue is only a small part. Most of the income will come from other things such as hotels, restaurants, and nearby tourist attractions. If it is in a suitable location, the surrounding area will also benefit. Employment will increase.