Thai senate panel calls for referendum on casino bill: Report
A Senate special committee has proposed holding a public referendum on the draft Entertainment Complex Bill, voicing concerns that the legislation could breach the constitution if enacted without broader consultation. According to a Bangkok Post report, the committee, which Senator Veerapun Suvannamai leads, convened on Thursday to assess the proposed law, which includes provisions for large-scale entertainment hubs incorporating casinos.
Although Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra had been invited to clarify the government’s position, she was not able to attend because of her official trip to Vietnam. Her delegate, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, was also unable to participate. The committee has postponed the Prime Minister’s appearance until 5 June.
In the absence of government representatives, the session concentrated on academic and legislative analysis. Critics within the committee questioned the structure and implications of the bill, particularly its treatment of casino concessions and the extent of power allocated to the policy board chaired by the Prime Minister.
Power concentration and lack of safeguards questioned
The local media reported that committee adviser Senator Chirmsak Pinthong criticised the bill’s framework, suggesting it offers excessive authority to a centralised policy board and lacks key procedural safeguards. He likened the proposed board to a “casino cabinet” and raised concerns over revenue limits and concession protocols.
The draft bill specifies that state income from casino concessions will not exceed 5 billion baht ($150.9 million) annually. Additionally, there is no provision for a competitive bidding process, public hearings, or environmental assessments tied to proposed development sites.
Rumours have circulated regarding potential locations for these entertainment complexes, including a plot at Klong Toey Port in Bangkok. Other possible sites mentioned include San Kamphaeng in Chiang Mai and U-Tapao in Chon Buri. Senator Chirmsak cautioned that the 30-year concession period could pose risks for future governments and generations if the project does not meet expectations.
Foreign influence and long-term concerns
Meanwhile, the report said that Committee member Kaewsan Atibhoti expressed concerns that the bill may favour foreign investors, potentially placing national interests at risk. He argued that without adequate safeguards and clear regulations, foreign entities could gain disproportionate control over valuable land and revenue streams.
Bill tied to broader economic strategy
Despite growing resistance, the government has continued to defend the bill as a strategy to boost tourism and economic growth. The Prime Minister has said that the entertainment complexes, which would include hotels, arenas, water parks, and other attractions, are intended to diversify the tourism sector. Casino areas, according to the draft, would occupy no more than 10 percent of each site.
