Thai students march against casino bill, slam foreign-only perks

February 19, 2025

Thai students march against casino bill, slam foreign-only perks

Southern Thai student activists and community groups have staged a protest against the government’s consideration of casino-entertainment complexes, fearing that such developments may be incorporated into the proposed Southern Land Bridge corridor under the Special Economic Corridor (SEC). The demonstrators largely opposed the land bridge project, citing environmental and economic concerns.

The protest took place on Tuesday morning at Prince of Songkla University in Songkhla, where demonstrators gathered near the Thai Traditional Medicine Hospital, approximately 900 metres from the venue of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s mobile cabinet meeting.

Deputy PM Phumtam meet protestors

The activists, composed of students and community representatives, called for an immediate halt to the land bridge project, warning of its potential impact on the region’s traditional fishing industry and coastal environment, local media outlet reported.

Despite demands for Prime Minister Paetongtarn to receive their petition personally, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri met with the protesters instead. The demonstrators handed over their formal demands, urging the government to reconsider its plans.

While opposition to the land bridge project was the primary focus, banners and placards at the protest also reflected widespread disapproval of Thailand’s casino bill. The demonstrators expressed concerns over the social impact of gambling-related issues and its potential effect on local communities.

Leasing casinos to foreigners only?

A key issue raised during the protest was the SEC bill, which would permit foreign investors to lease land within the corridor for up to 99 years. The activists fear the long-term leasing of land to foreign entities could disrupt traditional livelihoods and undermine local industries.

In response, Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that the government would conduct workshops in southern provinces to explain the potential benefits of the land bridge project and casino-entertainment complexes. She emphasised the importance of engaging with the public and addressing concerns through transparent discussions.

“On several occasions, changes are made for the better, but the people may need to adjust. The government has a duty to explain the goals of these projects and how the country stands to benefit,” PM Paetongtarn said after chairing the cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, Pakorn Nilprapunt, secretary-general of the Office of the Council of State, clarified that the government had yet to finalise its stance on the casino bill. While public hearings were ongoing, he noted that the results were not legally binding, meaning the government could proceed with the legislation even if the majority opposed it.

Despite this, the protest highlights growing resistance to major infrastructure and economic policy changes, with southern communities voicing strong concerns over environmental sustainability and social welfare. The government now faces the challenge of balancing economic development with public sentiment as it moves forward with its legislative agenda.